On January 6, the Global Times reported that riots broke out in many parts of Kazakhstan, a large number of protesters gathered in the largest city, opened fire in the air, and a firefight broke out at the presidential residence, and the Chinese Embassy urgently reminded local citizens to pay attention to their personal safety.
Overnight, the situation changed dramatically
Russian news reported that in the early morning of the 5th of this month, local time in Kazakhstan, riots broke out in Kazakhstan, and rioters in almaty, the largest city, opened fire with rifles. According to live video, Almaty city officials exchanged fire with armed thugs, and in the early hours of the same day, gunshots and screams continued throughout the city.
In addition, there are live videos of witnesses providing reporters with other perspectives, in which a large number of demonstrators can be seen rubbing against state security personnel, and the demonstrators directly carry guns into the Kazakh arsenal. The Kazakh government urgently appealed to the local population not to go out.
It is reported that the organized large-scale riots were due to the soaring price of liquefied natural gas, and the protesters were dissatisfied with this, and a large number of protesters directly armed with guns rushed to the government building to launch a demonstration. The current network in Kazakhstan has been interrupted due to demonstrations, and the communication network has also been greatly affected and forced to cut off. The President of Kazakhstan has issued an urgent decree declaring instability in the capital, Nur-Sultan, that a state of emergency has been officially entered. As of now, four regions of Kazakhstan have declared a state of emergency.
Riots in The largest city of Kazakhstan have not been quelled, with protesters clashing with local police in the city center, and even thugs beating law enforcement officers with wooden sticks, and local police using weapons such as tear gas to fight back at the rioters. The Almaty municipal government office building was set on fire by demonstrators and was emitting thick black smoke, even the presidential residence and the law enforcement building. Kazakh army personnel also suffered organized attacks.
Local police said that the riot is suspected of being instigated by "extremist organizations", and a large number of vehicles have been burned in the local area, the elderly and women have also been attacked in the riot, and nearly 100 people in government departments have been injured to varying degrees. At present, due to the serious impact of the riots on public order, the Kazakh police have officially arrested about 200 demonstrators.
The President called for no provocation by foreign powers
In the early morning of the 5th of this month, local time, the president issued a public speech, hoping that the angry masses would not lose their minds, would not be instigated and provoked by foreign forces with intentions, and would not credulously believe demagogic remarks that affected domestic security and stability. Especially for the teenagers here, it is best not to self-destruct their future because they listen to others. What is most needed in Kazakhstan at the moment is mutual trust, not riots and conflicts.
Subsequently, the president made another speech, this time the riots in Kazakhstan because there are "conspirators" playing tricks, and President Tokayev will urgently become the chairman of the National Security Council and crack down on protesters who break the law. At present, the White House has come out to deny it.
The Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan issued an urgent reminder
After the Chinese embassy learned of the news of the riot, it immediately issued a notice reminding the local Chinese citizens in Kazakhstan not to go out as much as possible, pay attention to personal safety precautions, and contact the local embassy as soon as possible once they encounter a critical situation, and immediately notify the police.