NUKUS, Uzbekistan 

Uzbekistan on Wednesday announced that the situation in the protest-hit autonomous region of Karakalpakstan has been brought under control. 

In a statement issued in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, Hamidjan Dadabayev, deputy commander of the Uzbekistan National Guard, said the situation in the region is completely back to normal and under control.

Massive protests started in Nukus on July 1-2 over proposed constitutional changes that would affect the status of the autonomous region.

At least 18 people were killed and 243 others injured, including 94 seriously, during clashes between protesters and security forces, according to Uzbek authorities.

Dadabayev said foreign nationals were also arrested in connection with the incidents. However, he did not disclose the identities of those detained due to the ongoing investigation process.

On Saturday, Uzbekistan announced a month-long state of emergency in Karakalpakstan. The decree was signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after demonstrations erupted in the region.

The decree limits entry and exit from the province and prohibits all public events.

  * Writing by Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​