Image source,Getty Images
Security forces on the streets of Almaty
When the Kazakh authorities violently suppressed the anti-government protests, a Russian-led force arrived in Kazakhstan at the request of the president of this authoritarian country.
After days of unrest triggered by rising fuel prices, machine gun shots echoed in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.
The Ministry of Interior of Kazakhstan stated that 26 “armed criminals” have been “liquidated” and 18 security personnel were killed in the riots caused by rising fuel prices.
A BBC reporter in Almaty, the largest city, shared a video of the violent night fire on Thursday (January 6).
The United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and France call on all parties to avoid violence.
The Internet in Kazakhstan is blocked, making it difficult to obtain independent information. The Ministry of Internal Affairs said that more than 3,000 people have been arrested. According to local media reports, 70 checkpoints have been established nationwide.
Image source,Reuters
On Thursday morning, troops were deployed on the streets of Almaty.
The President of Kazakhstan accused “terrorists” trained abroad, but did not provide evidence.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kassym-Jomart Tokayev) spoke on state television on Wednesday, calling on the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation to support the suppression of protests. The organization includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan and Armenia.
According to reports, the overseas troops sent to Kazakhstan consisted of approximately 2,500 soldiers. The Collective Security Treaty Organization stated that this force is a peacekeeping force that will protect the country and military installations. According to the Russian News Agency, they will stay in Russia for a few days or weeks.
The US State Department stated that it is closely monitoring the deployment of Russian troops. A spokesperson said: “Frankly speaking, the United States and the world will pay attention to any violations of human rights.”
“We will also pay close attention to any actions that may trigger the occupation of Kazakhstan’s institutions.”
Image source,Anadolu Agency via Getty
According to news from the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian soldiers boarded a military plane bound for Kazakhstan at an airport outside Moscow.
Officials said that about 18 members of the security forces died in Almaty. The police said they killed dozens of people called “thugs” at night.
Saule, a 58-year-old construction worker who participated in the protest, told AFP that she saw security forces opening fire on the demonstrators.
“We saw someone dying,” she said. “About 10 people were killed at that time.”
The riots began on Sunday when the price of LPG doubled and many Kazakhs used it to refuel cars. The protesters took to the streets to protest.
Multi-day demonstrations in Kazakhstan continue to spread chaos
The government of Kazakhstan said on Thursday that the fuel price ceiling will be restored for six months. But this decision failed to end the protests, which have expanded to include other political dissatisfaction.
Kazakhstan is often described as an authoritarian country, and most elections are won by the ruling party with close to 100% of the vote. There is no actual political opposition.
On Thursday, fire broke out in the presidential residence and the mayor’s office in Almaty. The military has now regained control of the main airport occupied by the protesters.
The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan said that about 1,000 people were injured in the riots.
On Wednesday, President Tokayev disbanded his cabinet to stop the demonstrations, and then there was bloodshed. He also dismissed the former President Nursultan Nazarbayev (Nursultan Nazarbayev), who has been in charge of national security affairs since he stepped down as President.
Burned buildings and long lines
BBC Correspondent Abdujaril Abedrasulov（Abdujalil Abdurasulov）From Almaty
The bustling Almaty Square has become a conflict zone, with burnt buildings and vehicles everywhere. Many people are afraid to go out, especially at night, because the conflict continues. Gunshots and explosions remind people of how dangerous it is to leave home.
Near Almaty, the local security maintenance group blocked the entrance to their village to prevent robbery. Checkpoints and temporary roadblocks blocked the entrance to the city, so people entered and exited Almaty through narrow streets.
There was a long line in front of the gas station. It is difficult for residents to buy food because shopping malls, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants are closed, and only small shops are still open. The network blockade continues, so people cannot withdraw money or recharge their mobile phones.
News summary of Kazakhstan
Where?Kazakhstan borders Russia to the north and China to the east. It is a vast country with an area equivalent to Western Europe, which dwarfs other former Soviet Union countries in Central Asia.
Why is it important?It has rich mineral resources, oil reserves account for 3% of the world‘s total, and important coal and natural gas industries. As a Muslim republic with the majority of ethnic minorities in Russia, it basically has no internal conflicts in other parts of Central Asia.
Why is it news?The fuel riots shook the government, triggered the resignation of high-level officials and the bloody suppression of protesters.