Kazakh Protesters Attempt to Enter Government Offices, Dozens Dead

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the night of the 5th (local time) in Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan, protesters attempted to enter government offices including the police headquarters, clashing with police and resulting in dozens of deaths.

Saltanat Azirbek, spokesperson for the Kazakhstan police, told TASS news agency, "Extremist forces tried to infiltrate government buildings, police headquarters, and police stations in Almaty," adding, "Dozens of attackers have been neutralized and their identities are being verified."

She added, "An anti-terror operation is underway in the area where the government buildings are located," and urged residents and city visitors to stay indoors for their safety.

AFP also reported, citing local media, that dozens died during the suppression of the protests, and police are currently verifying the identities of the deceased.

In Kazakhstan, unrest over the sharp rise in gas prices has spread into violent protests directed against the government.

The protests began on the 2nd in Zhanaozen and Aktau in the southwestern Mangystau region and have since spread to Almaty and other cities in the southeast two days later.

The Kazakhstan government declared a state of emergency. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan announced that eight members of the National Guard and police died during the suppression of the protests.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security alliance of former Soviet states led by Russia, has decided to dispatch peacekeeping forces to Kazakhstan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.