Security Overview for Uzbekistan

Economic and political reforms in Uzbekistan, one of the larger former Soviet republics, have made very limited progress since its independence in 1991. The regime, headed by ex-Communist Party boss Islam Karimov, has placed its continued control of the country above any other concern. Political opposition is not tolerated in Uzbekistan; there are no large-scale demonstrations or rallies in the country. Uzbekistan's poor human rights record includes instances of police torture, sometimes resulting in death. The Uzbek government has repeatedly cracked down on non-mainstream Islamic groups in efforts it defends as attempts to fight terrorism in the region.

By allowing its airspace and military bases to be used for the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan in late 2001, Uzbekistan briefly became a key regional player in the U.S.-led coalition. U.S. criticism of the bloody suppression of the Andijan uprising in May 2005, however, led the Uzbek government to expel U.S. forces in August 2005 from the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, also known as K-2, that had served as a hub for anti-terror missions to Afghanistan. Uzbekistan's relations with the U.S. and the West since the Andijan incident have been poor.

Supporters of extremist groups, such as Al-Qaeda, the Islamic Jihad Group, Hizb-ut-Tahrir and the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement, are active in Central Asia, and all have expressed anti-U.S. and anti-Western sentiment. The terrorist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a major threat in Uzbekistan in the late 1990s and 2000-2001, has been largely eliminated within the country.

Several terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, were committed in Uzbekistan in the spring and summer of 2004, although the 2005 Andijan uprising appears to have been spontaneous and unconnected to the attacks. No major terrorist incident has occurred in Uzbekistan since 2005, but attacks against the Uzbek government or Western interests remain possible.

Most incidents of crime involving foreigners are petty crimes - such as pickpocketing and bag snatching - occurring at tourist attractions, markets and other crowded areas. Foreigners are also targeted for a variety of scams. If visiting on business, take precautions with sensitive information. Security personnel in Uzbekistan may search personal belongings left in hotel rooms; telephone calls and faxes may be monitored.

The public transportation system in major urban areas of Uzbekistan is well developed. Use caution on all trains, buses, trams and the Metro. Also exercise caution at the train stations where petty crimes are a significant problem. Avoid traveling alone and after dark. Roads from Tashkent to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, can be hazardous in winter and there are no road assistance facilities. Limit overland travel to daylight hours.

When visiting Uzbekistan, make prior arrangements with your contacts in Tashkent for unmistakable identification upon arrival at the airport. Do not leave with anyone who does not show the pre-arranged identification, especially if the person is holding a sign with your name.

Due to its proximity to Afghanistan and its porous borders, Uzbekistan is a major transshipment point for illegal narcotics. Drugs pass through Uzbekistan from the Golden Crescent and Tajikistan as they are being shipped to the Russian Federation and the Schengen Area in Europe.

Special forces, which consist of government security personnel and locally organized militias, regularly set up roadblocks, perform frequent document checks and coordinate special military operations to combat the growing weapons and drug-smuggling networks that are active throughout the country. Travel is restricted from the areas of the Surkhandarya Oblast region bordering Afghanistan, including the border city of Termez. Several areas of Uzbekistan's borders with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are closed to tourists and civilians in response to low-level, but persistent, insurgent activity by the IMU and other groups.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.