Ethnic divisions have fractured society in southern Kyrgyzstan for generations. In June 2010 violence broke out in and around Osh, the main city in the south. Around 400 people died in the fighting and thousands of ethnic Uzbeks fled across the nearby border to Uzbekistan.

Since 2010, there have been sporadic reports of flare-ups, but generally the situation has been controlled. Tense but controlled. The reports from Sokh, an enclave within Kyrgyzstan that belongs to Uzbekistan, were different though. According to media reports, clashes broke out after an altercation between Kyrgyz border guards and Uzbek residents of Sokh on Jan. 5 over the construction of new electrical pylons.

Accounts then differ, but the basic premise was that there was some sporadic fighting, shots were fired and hostages were taken on both sides. Some cars and property were also destroyed.

Media organisations estimated that hundreds of people had been involved in the fracas. The exact number is still not clear. What is clear, however, is that ethnic divisions in southern Kyrgyzstan are as dangerous as ever.