Investigation "attack" on the Dutch in Tajikistan Abroad

Dutch cyclists died when they were hit by a high-speed car, claiming sources of information in Tajikistan. Government officials from the Central Asian country confirm that one victim is Dutch and take into account that a second one also comes from our country.

Answer Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busy to find out exactly what has happened, and can not yet confirm the reports.

The US Embassy in the country reported the death of two of its own citizens. In total, four people were killed, three on the spot and a little after the arrival at a local hospital.

According to several media outlets in the country, the driver escaped after the accident, but was arrested after a manhunt. He would be a 21-year-old Tajik. There were probably more occupants in the car

Structure or Accident

We are looking into whether there is a deliberate collision. The medium Akhbor reported earlier that it was a terrorist attack where tourists first fired from a car, after which they were attacked with knives .

The photos published by Akhbor and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty are two of the dead victims on the dusty and sandy soil. A woman dressed in sportswear and with a bicycle helmet, seems heavily beaten. There is a lot of blood in his face. A bald cyclist with a beard is also completely under the blood. It is not known if the man and the woman are Dutch or Americans.

On other images we see the registration plate of the car that the tourists created, the damaged bicycles, an ambulance and the group of travelers who roam the landscape. . This last photo was probably taken shortly before the accident. A photo of the suspect was also published

Remote area

The largest group explored the country by bike and was in a remote area near Danghara, about 150 kilometers south of the capital Dushanbe. President Emomalii Rachmon announced that extensive research is underway. He indicated that he would quickly clarify what had happened

Country of Popular Cycling

Tajikistan – on the border of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and China Afghanistan – is a popular country among Western cyclists. Tourism is an important source of income. Cycling holidays are therefore fully promoted by the government