There are conflicting reports about whether ​Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov has died. This followed prolonged speculation about Karimov's health. But later on Friday, government sources said Karimov is alive, although in critical condition. The uncertainty over Karimov's health has raised concerns that Uzbekistan could face prolonged infighting among clans over leadership claims, something Islamic radicals could exploit. A police officer guards an area at the ancient city of Samarkand, the hometown of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, on Friday.

Source: CBC News September 02, 2016 09:01 UTC