DUSHANBE, August 13, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Tajik authorities say that Tolib Ayombekov, head of a rebel group accused of killing a high-ranking security official, has surrendered to the authorities in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reported on August 13.

Prior to his surrender on the evening of August 11, Ayombekov told a local television channel that he wanted to give himself up along with his brother and other supporters for the sake of peace in the region.

Officials said Ayombekov is currently undergoing medical treatment in a hospital in the city of Khorog.

Ayombekov has said he wanted to protest his innocence in a free and fair trial.

Tajik government forces conducted a military operation against Ayombekov''s armed group last month, following the killing of regional security chief Abdullo Nazarov.

Some 70 people were killed in the clashes.