Reed beds burned along the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border

A planned pest control operation has begun on small islands located within the Amu Darya River in the neutral zone along the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border, UzA reported.

According to the report, controlled burning is being carried out in reed beds that have formed on the islands to prevent the spread of pests and infectious diseases. The insects inhabiting these areas are considered carriers of various diseases.

The operation is being conducted with the authorization of the relevant authorities and on the basis of mutual agreement. Officials stated that the fires and their scale are fully under control.

“This activity is being carried out in accordance with an approved plan in wild reed areas. We urge citizens not to panic and ask social media users to refrain from spreading false information that may cause unnecessary concern among the public,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that similar planned burning of reed beds on small islands in the Amu Darya within the neutral border zone was also carried out in March last year.