The wounded bird is still flying – Weekend

As we cross the equator of 2025, the world has already witnessed a third world war. Thailand and Cambodia are fighting over a disputed temple.

Kyrgyzstan continues to pursue individuals associated with Salim Abduvaliyev, popularly known as "Salimboyvachcha."

Iran, emerging from a grueling war just a month ago, has launched an artificial satellite into space. The Persians appear eager to consolidate regional dominance beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Ramzan Kadyrov, whose recent public presence has been limited to rumors about his health, is now reported to have fallen ill in Turkey. However, he has remained silent, neither confirming nor denying these reports.

Below, QALAMPIR.UZ's Weekend program brings you key developments from around the world over the past week.

Kyrgyzstan keeps the “Salimboyvachcha” case open

Individuals suspected of having ties to Salim Abduvaliyev—widely known by the nickname "Salimboyvachcha"—remain under the surveillance of Kyrgyz law enforcement. Former Kyrgyz Interior Ministry official Jalil Atambayev, accused of financing the activities of Abduvaliyev’s organized criminal group, has been arrested. Initially detained in August 2024, Atambayev had held several leadership positions, including head of the transport department at Osh International Airport. In pursuit of expanding his business, Atambayev reportedly established connections with Abduvaliyev, who had already been sought by Kyrgyz special services, and financed his criminal network. Atambayev was not alone in this web—former deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, Salaidin Aidarov, was also detained.

In December 2024, a preventive measure was issued for Atambayev, and he was released on parole. However, the investigation later revealed that he repeatedly violated the terms of his release, ignored court summons, and failed to meet procedural requirements. Consequently, the Oktyabr District Court of Bishkek ordered his re-arrest, and Atambayev was placed in Institution No. 21 under Kyrgyzstan's Migration Committee. Authorities also point to photographic evidence of Atambayev’s close relationship with Abduvaliyev, taken at the latter's residence. Another individual in the photo is Nurgazi Aidarov, a former Kyrgyz parliamentarian, who was placed on both the interstate and Interpol wanted lists in August 2024, following a court decision in absentia ordering his arrest.

These developments harken back to late 2023, when large-scale raids were launched against criminal authorities in Uzbekistan and neighboring Kyrgyzstan. The operations exposed sprawling international criminal networks and unsettled even high-ranking state officials. Following the death of notorious crime boss Kamchibek Asanbek—also known as Kolya Kyrgyz—a purge began in Kyrgyzstan that ultimately reached parliament, with lawmaker Emil Jamgirchiev becoming a primary target. According to President Sadyr Japarov and State Committee for National Security head Kamchibek Tashiev, Jamgirchiev had illegally crossed the border and sought assistance from Uzbek crime figure Salim Abduvaliyev to seize power and eliminate two individuals. After these plans were exposed, Jamgirchiev was reportedly so distressed that he jumped out of a parliamentary office window.

In another related case, a former local deputy from the Suzak district of Kyrgyzstan came under investigation after posting a photo of himself with Abduvaliyev at the latter’s Tashkent home on social media. He was subsequently questioned and instructed to renounce the ideology of organized crime. These incidents have not been forgotten. In fact, following the emergence of evidence involving well-known Uzbek individuals, Kyrgyz lawmakers were temporarily banned from traveling abroad and even within the country on official business.

By August 2024, within the framework of an investigation by the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, the Oktyabr District Court of Bishkek issued a preventive arrest order in absentia against Salim Abduvaliyev. He was added to both the interstate and Interpol wanted lists. Operational activities revealed that Abduvaliyev financed the criminal group led by Kamchibek Asanbek, which operated under the umbrella of the international criminal syndicate known as the “Circle of Brothers.” Kyrgyz security services assert that Abduvaliyev led organized crime operations in Uzbekistan, established illicit drug trafficking routes to Europe, and wielded direct influence across CIS countries. He is also believed to have maintained financial and strategic connections with notorious Kyrgyz crime boss Kamchi Kulbayev, further reinforcing his regional dominance.

In Uzbekistan, Salim Abduvaliyev was apprehended at his home in Tashkent’s Fayzabad district on December 1, 2023, during the “Urgent 40-Day" crackdown. He was convicted under Part 2 of Article 248 of the Criminal Code (illegal trafficking in firearms, ammunition, essential firearm components, explosives, or explosive devices) and sentenced to six years in a general-regime colony. However, due to his deteriorating health, Abduvaliyev was released from prison on January 12, 2025, under Article 75 of the Criminal Code (release from punishment due to illness or loss of ability to work).

Iran continues its ascent into space

The wounded bird still flies. Despite 45 years under sanctions and just a month after its war with Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues its journey into space. On July 25, Iran's satellite "Nohid-2" was successfully launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The research and telecommunications satellite was placed into orbit from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome. The Soyuz rocket used in the launch had previously deployed several Iranian satellites, including "Khayyom," "Fars-1," and "Hodid." According to reports, "Nohid-2" is Iran’s 26th satellite to enter space. Iran launched its first satellite, "Omid," back in 2009—meaning that despite intense sanctions, Tehran has managed to launch 26 satellites over 16 years.

As for the technical aspects of “Nohid-2,” reports from the launch site confirm it was placed in orbit at an altitude of around 500 kilometers. The satellite is powered by lithium-ion batteries designed to endure tens of thousands of charge cycles throughout its operational life. One of the key challenges for long-term satellite missions is gradual orbital decay caused by Earth's gravity, which can disrupt positioning and functionality. To counter this, “Nohid-2” is equipped with a local propulsion system that allows it to adjust its orbit by up to 50 kilometers. Iranian media reports that the propulsion system was developed entirely domestically. It uses hot gas thrusters supported by advanced components like composite fuel tanks, high-pressure valves, and precision control nozzles. Because of their technical sensitivity, these parts are rarely available on the global market.

So, why do countries invest in satellites? There are six primary reasons for developing and launching them:

1. Communication – Satellites enable long-distance communications, including global data transmission, television broadcasting, and internet services.
2. Navigation – GPS and similar systems help people navigate in real time, playing a vital role in aviation, maritime travel, and even precision agriculture.
3. Earth Observation – Satellites offer high-resolution images useful in disaster response, urban development, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
4. Weather Forecasting – They provide data for accurate weather predictions, storm tracking, and climate analysis.
5. Space Exploration – Satellites expand our knowledge of space phenomena and support scientific experiments in microgravity.
6. National Security – Satellites support military surveillance, early warning systems, and missile detection, making them indispensable to national defense.

“Nohid-2” is reported to focus mainly on communication. However, Iran’s expanding satellite program will likely serve a wider range of purposes in the future—navigation, weather monitoring, and possibly defense. In any case, these launches play a strategic role in both the country’s development and its national security posture.

Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Israel remain high. This week, Israeli officials threatened to strike Iran if it resumes its nuclear activities. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that his country is ready for war with Israel at any moment.

The 3rd war of the year

July 7, 2025, is just coming to an end. But so far this year, the planet has already witnessed three serious and bloody wars between nation-states. After India and Pakistan, and then Israel and Iran, the conflict baton has now passed to Thailand and Cambodia. On the morning of July 24, clashes erupted in the disputed border area near the Ta Moan Thom temple, located 360 kilometers east of Bangkok. The violence began after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia on the night of July 23 and announced plans to expel Cambodia’s ambassador from Bangkok. The decision followed the injury of a second Thai soldier in one week, who lost his leg after stepping on what is suspected to be a newly planted landmine in the disputed area.

Suttirot Charoentanasak, the head of Kabchieng district in Thailand’s Surin province, said artillery shells hit civilian homes, killing two people. But that was only the beginning. Thailand has evacuated 40,000 civilians from 86 villages near the Cambodian border. Thai officials claim Cambodia launched the attack, first using a surveillance drone, then sending heavily armed troops into the area near the temple. A Thai military spokesperson said Cambodia employed multiple weapon systems, including rocket launchers. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Cambodia’s defense ministry claimed Thailand initiated the military action, alleging that Thai troops had entered Cambodian territory without cause and that Cambodian forces had responded in self-defense. Both sides continue to blame each other for starting the conflict.

Despite the escalation, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjajajai emphasized the importance of restraint and adherence to international law.

At the heart of the dispute is the issue of landmines. Over the past week, Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting new mines in the contested zone, which injured three Thai soldiers. Cambodia denies the allegations, stating the soldiers strayed off the agreed path and stepped on mines left over from earlier conflicts. Thailand, however, rejected this explanation, maintaining that the mines were newly laid. On July 24, reports emerged that a Thai F-16 fighter jet carried out airstrikes on Cambodian targets. Cambodia condemned the strikes as "a blatant and barbaric act of military aggression" against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In response, the Thai Foreign Ministry claimed that on the morning of July 24, Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery at a Thai military base and targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital—causing additional civilian casualties.

Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry called the Thai airstrikes “baseless” and urged Thailand to withdraw its forces and refrain from further aggressive actions that could escalate the situation.

However, tensions did not subside following these diplomatic exchanges. On July 25, a new southern front opened along the Thai-Cambodian border. Initially, shelling was concentrated in the northern region—far from coastal tourist hubs on the South China Sea—but by July 25, the conflict intensified in Thailand’s southern provinces of Trat and Chanthaburi. These provinces are just 150 kilometers from Pattaya and 200 kilometers from Bangkok. According to "The Pankok Post", Cambodian troops attempted to cross into Trat province on the morning of July 26 but were repelled by Thai forces. Thai naval vessels also participated in the clashes. Foreign media reported that total casualties on both sides reached 33, exceeding the toll from the 2011 conflict between the two countries.

As a result, diplomatic relations have deteriorated. Both countries have recalled their ambassadors, and some diplomatic personnel have been expelled. The international community—including the UN, the U.S., China, and others—has called for an immediate peaceful resolution. However, Thailand has rejected any form of third-party mediation, insisting that only bilateral negotiations are acceptable. Donald Trump, who brands himself as a peacemaker despite past failures, is attempting to use the situation to gain political capital. He claimed to have spoken by phone with Thai and Cambodian officials and stated that a peace agreement is close. However, Trump’s track record in resolving the wars between India and Pakistan, and Israel and Iran, casts doubt on his influence. The current U.S. president has not yet taken any action on this issue. As for Gaza and Ukraine, there's little to say.

To better understand the roots of the Thailand–Cambodia war—two countries rarely mentioned outside of sports—it’s clear that this conflict didn’t erupt suddenly or without warning. Tensions escalated months ago, particularly after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a firefight this past May. The latest spark came when Thailand accused Cambodia of planting landmines in contested territory. The two countries have disputed their shared 817-kilometer land border for over a century, often clashing over vague territorial lines. The focal point of the dispute is a complex of ancient Hindu temples and the surrounding land. Similar tensions erupted in 2011, resulting in a week-long artillery exchange and dozens of casualties. A longstanding issue that should have been resolved diplomatically has now led to full-scale armed conflict.

As Thailand remains a popular destination for Uzbek tourists, the Uzbek diplomatic mission there quickly issued a statement. According to the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Bangkok, the situation in the capital and tourist centers is stable, and there is no threat to foreign tourists. Additionally, Ahror Burkhanov, spokesperson for Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that no Uzbek citizens had been harmed in Thailand or Cambodia during the hostilities. Still, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Uzbek nationals to avoid traveling to the Cambodian border regions and to monitor official updates. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the Consulate General in Bangkok at (+66-2) 675-3995 or (+66-2) 675-3996.

Kadyrov is sick again

News about the illness of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov no longer surprises anyone. Whenever he disappears from public view for a while, rumors of him battling various diseases begin circulating rapidly. However, the usual pattern follows: soon after, the Chechen leader—whose public persona has been tied to Putin’s rise and dominance for years—emerges to declare the reports baseless, claiming his health is perfectly fine. This scenario has repeated itself numerous times. For instance, on July 24, while vacationing in the Turkish city of Bodrum, reports emerged claiming that Kadyrov had fallen into critical condition and was struggling to breathe. Allegedly, he almost drowned while swimming. According to these accounts, he began to feel unwell after entering the water, but nearby rescuers assisted him just in time. He was reportedly pulled out, given first aid, and rushed to the hospital, where doctors managed to stabilize his condition.

According to "Baza", there are some inconsistencies in the information shared by foreign media. It is well known that Kadyrov always travels with a team of personal bodyguards, and if his life were in danger, they would have been the first to intervene—not random rescuers. It's also worth noting that the original report came from the GZT publication, which frequently publishes claims about Kadyrov’s health that are later denied by Kadyrov himself. In this case, the story was also picked up by reputable Turkish outlets. However, a look at Kadyrov's official Telegram channel shows that he posted several updates on the same day the incident was allegedly reported. Notably, on July 24, he congratulated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his birthday. Following that, more posts were made on various topics, including life in Chechnya and developments on the front line. Yet, another detail fuels ongoing speculation: since the rumors began, Kadyrov has not appeared in any new live video. Moreover, he has not issued any direct statement about the alleged incident. This silence is prompting renewed suspicion that he may indeed be unwell and possibly hospitalized.