Central Asian Kyrgyzstan, hosting US troops, is a preferred sanctuary for an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group because of loose border controls and widespread corruption, convicted terrorists said in interrogation records examined by the Associated Press. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) fought alongside the Taliban and al-Qaeda against the US-backed Northern Alliance in 2001 in Afghanistan. Labeled a terrorist group by the US government, the IMU was blamed for a series of incursions and kidnappings in Central Asia from 1999-2001. Kyrgyzstan also enjoys the reputation of being the most open country in formerly Soviet Central Asia, with less restrictive regulations on foreign visitors and a liberal visa regime.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!