ANDIJAN, Uzbekistan - Dozens of physicians from outlying towns were ordered Friday to go the eastern Uzbekistan city of Andijan following violent battles there between anti-government insurgents and security forces, one of the physicians said.
"Dozens of doctors were sent from Namangan to Andijan and others have been told to stay by their phones, said the physician, one of those called in from Namangan, on condition he not be identified.
The doctor told AFP he was told to report for work at one of the main hospitals in Andijan but he declined to provide figures on casualties.
Government troops earlier opened fire on a crowd of around 5,000 protesters who had massed in a square in a show of support for insurgents who stormed government buildings and freed prisoners including 23 men being tried on charges of Islamic extremist activity.
An AFP reporter saw one of the protesters shot dead by the troops and several others wounded while unconfirmed media reports spoke of numerous casualties.
The government said in a statement prior to the shooting by the troops that nine people had been killed and 34 wounded in gun battles that erupted after the unidentified insurgents attacked government buildings in Andijan in the central Asian country.
05/13/2005 20:07 GMT