Skeletal remains of dromaeosaurid theropods are uncommon in the richly fossiliferous continental strata
of the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Bissekty Formation of the Kyzylkum Desert in Uzbekistan. The
phylogenetic position of the first published specimen, a partial braincase designated as the holotype of
Itemirus medullaris Kurzanov, 1976, has long been contentious. Our examination of the specimen supports
its attribution to Dromaeosauridae. Additional, mostly well-preserved dromaeosaurid skeletal
remains from the Bissekty Formation include cranial bones, teeth, vertebrae, and some podial elements.
They are tentatively referred to the same taxon, Itemirus medullaris, and establish the presence of dromaeosaurid
paravians in present-day Central Asia during the Turonian.