The U.S Government is providing assistance to Tajikistan in investigating the attack on foreign cyclists, Ms. Heather Nauert, a spokesperson for the US Department of State noted at the Department press briefing on July 31.
Asked whether the State Department has any additional details about the incident with cyclists in Tajikistan because there are conflicting claims or conflicting accounts of who was responsible (ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack while Tajik authorities have blamed another group), Ms. Nauert, said, “We’ve certainly seen the reports that ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack in which two Americans died.”
“But we cannot confirm who was responsible for that attack at this time,” she said noting that the U.S. Government is providing its assistance to the Government of Tajikistan “as they spearhead this investigation.”
According to her, the US Embassy in Dushanbe has not issued any additional security alerts after that event. “We encourage U.S. citizens though to, please, maintain awareness of their surroundings, to take the precautions that are all recommended. We put out a security message on July 30,” US State Department spokesperson added.
Recall, four foreign cyclists, including two Americans, one Dutchman and a Swiss citizen, were brutally killed during a bike tour in the Danghara district on July 29. They were attacked by at least one assailant with a gun and knife after being run down by a vehicle. Three other foreigners were also injured in the attack.
