Violent clashes have led to the deaths of dozens of protesters in Kazakhstan as troops from the Russian-led military alliance arrived in the country to help quell the civil unrest. Police officials said hundreds had been injured, and at least 13 of its officers had been killed in the skirmishes.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health said Thursday that more than 1,000 people across the country were injured during the violent clashes. The ministry said more than 400 people had been hospitalized, of which 62 are now in critical condition.
The reported death toll comes as troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) - a post-soviet alliance that includes Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan - began their operations in the country to halt any further insurrection.
Local media reports said some security forces had begun firing on protesters in some areas, including at those gathered in the Republic Square in the city of Almaty. Witnesses said military forces told protesters to disperse immediately or they would open fire.
One witness said people were running away from the square, and he allegedly saw some protesters falling to the ground after security forces opened fire. State news agency Sputnik Kazakhstan also made the same report, claiming that people had been seriously injured.
Almaty police department representative Saltanat Azirbek confirmed that they had to put down some protesters who were attempting to storm government buildings. Azirbek said that citizens should stay at home as troops continue their "anit-terrorist operations."
Azirbek said some protesters had stolen weapons from gun stores and are using them against police officers and security personnel. He said they had found the bodies of two police officers, whose heads were cut off.
The arrival of CSTO forces comes after President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev pleaded with the alliance for immediate assistance. CSTO officials said on Thursday that its "peacekeeping contingent" in Kazakhstan had begun to carry out its duties and that Russian personnel was being sent to Kazakhstan by military aircraft as well.
Protests erupted in Kazakhstan after the government abolished price limitations on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the start of the year. The price hike has now morphed into a demonstration of dissatisfaction with the country's governance.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it believes that the crisis is being orchestrated by foreign forces in order to undermine the state's security and integrity. The ministry said it is prepared to take actions, including counter-terrorism operations if necessary.
The United States and the European Union have denounced the violence and urged all parties to exercise moderation. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Thursday that the world is watching and human rights violations will not be tolerated.
