In 1999 a series of explosions in the capital Tashkent were orchestrated in an unsuccessful attempt on Karimov 's life . Karimov placed the blame on radical Wahhabi Islamists , and the IMU in particular – however this attribution remains disputed , and it is possible the assassination attempt was the work of rival political and regional elites . Irrespective of who was responsible , the result was an escalation in Karimov 's suppression of Islam , particularly in the traditionally observant Fergana Valley – a move which only increased the number of those fleeing Uzbekistan to join up with Namangani and the IMU in the Tavildara Valley
series of explosions
1999 Tashkent bombings
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan