In a recent revelation, political scientist Kamoliddin Rabbimov asserted that the Uzbekistan government was aware of the impending explosions in Tashkent on February 16, 1999, but failed to prevent them. Speaking on the "Lolazor" podcast, Rabbimov suggested that the government did not orchestrate the terrorist attack but rather utilized it as a political tool.
Rabbimov outlined a sequence of events suggesting a calculated political motive behind the explosions. He noted that the government had knowledge of the attacks a month prior but refrained from intervening. As per his analysis, the period following the explosions marked a shift from moderate to severe authoritarianism in Uzbekistan.
The political scientist delved into the purpose behind the attack, citing the imprisonment of prominent Imam Abduvali Qori in 1996 as a catalyst. He claimed that Qori's disciples sought to secure his release by engaging with militant leaders in Chechnya and Afghanistan, ultimately planning the attack dubbed "Wedding" to force a change in government policy.
Initially planned for the end of January, logistical challenges prompt a postponement to mid-February. Additionally, two individuals apprehended at the Turkmenistan border provide crucial information implicating Uzbekistan's Cabinet of Ministers in the planned attacks. This information is relayed to the head of state, who reportedly approves the operation, indicating a sinister nexus between political power and terrorism.
The political scientist remarks, "It is said that if he thinks, let him do it, this is what suits us," highlighting the callousness and calculated nature of the political maneuvering surrounding the tragic events.
Rabbimov underscored a pattern of terrorist incidents preceding significant political events, such as parliamentary and presidential elections, suggesting a deliberate use of violence as a political tool.
“In April and May of that year, the Israeli and American embassies in Tashkent and Bukhara were bombed,” the political scientist noted.
He emphasized the detrimental impact of such tactics on Uzbekistan's geopolitical standing, noting a loss of regional leadership to Kazakhstan following the events of February 1999 and subsequent incidents like the Andijan massacre in 2005.
”Nowadays, the countries of the world do not play such a primitive, rough game. It was once done, and we saw what it led to. That is, Uzbekistan has lost its geopolitical status in the region. Because the outside world began to see Kazakhstan as the main leader in Central Asia, not Uzbekistan,” Kamoliddin Rabbimov voiced.
The explosions on February 16, 1999, rocked Tashkent, including the government building on Independence Square, resulting in 13 fatalities and over 100 injuries, as per official reports.
About the Explosion
On February 16, 1999, a series of bomb explosions occurred in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The explosions targeted government buildings, including the Uzbek Prosecutor General's office and the Uzbek Interior Ministry. These attacks resulted in casualties, with reports varying 12 dead and 128 seriously injured. More than 2,500 individuals have been impacted and require immediate assistance. With the season being winter, there is a heightened risk of cold-related illnesses and exposure-related health issues.
The Uzbek government blamed Islamic extremists for the bombings, specifically pointing fingers at the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a militant group seeking to establish an Islamic state in Central Asia. The IMU was known for its opposition to the secular governments in the region and its connections to extremist groups such as the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Following the bombings, the Uzbek government launched a crackdown on suspected militants and tightened security measures in the country. This event also drew international attention to the issue of extremism in Central Asia and prompted concerns about regional stability.
The Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan has established a rapid response team consisting of five staff members operating around the clock. An urgent meeting was convened for local branch leaders, who, along with volunteers, conducted on-site assessments to ascertain the extent of the disaster, including the number of affected individuals and their specific needs.
The National Society swiftly provided emergency assistance to families whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed: 12 families were supplied with essential items such as food parcels, bedding, warm clothing, and other necessities, while five families were provided with tents for shelter. Additionally, the organization has initiated the distribution of food aid to 140 vulnerable families, benefitting a total of 700 individuals, and medical supplies have been allocated to hospitals treating the injured.
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