Kazakhstan’s security forces have been able to restore law and order in most parts of the country following days of unprecedented violent unrest, its president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev claimed on Friday morning.
“Constitutional order has been mainly restored in all regions of the country. Local authorities are in control of the situation,” Tokayev said, adding that an anti-terrorist operation has been launched and law enforcement agencies are “working hard.”
The president also authorized the use of lethal force. He also said that thousands of “bandits” had attacked Kazakhstan’s largest city of Almaty and vowed to deal with them. “Terrorists are still using weapons and are damaging people’s property,” he said, adding that the anti-terrorist actions would continue.
At least 26 “armed criminals” were killed and 18 injured, the interior ministry said in a statement. Local media also reported thousands of arrests, citing official sources.