Employees of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) neutralized two extremist cells whose members had taken part in the unrest in Alma-Ata, the agency's press service said on Monday.
"The KNB of the Republic of Kazakhstan is implementing measures to search and detain participants in mass riots and acts of terrorism, as well as to clarify the circumstances of the crimes committed. As a result, two extremist cells whose members took an active part in the mass unrest in the megalopolis from January 4 to January 8, 2022, were neutralized in Almaty," the statement reads.
According to the department, four members of one cell were detained on January 9 on suspicion of committing mass unlawful acts, leading and participating in a banned extremist organization and recruiting for extremist activities.
"During searches of their residences, firearms, traumatic and flash-bang grenades, cartridges, religious literature and other material evidence were found and seized," the KNB explained.
According to the committee, the leader of another group, a foreign national, was actively involved in the riots and had links with terrorist groups abroad. "According to the investigation, he purposefully came to Kazakhstan to prepare mass unlawful actions and attacks on the authorities and law enforcement agencies. A search for his accomplices has been organized," the press service noted.
They also said that other information in the interests of the investigation could not be disclosed, while the operational and investigative activities are ongoing. "Along with this, the information disseminated in some media and social networks about the theft of weapons, ammunition and other property from the Department of the National Security Committee in Almaty is not true. The department is working in the reinforced mode in accordance with the requirements of the red level of the terrorist threat," the department added.
Protests began in several cities and towns in Kazakhstan on January 2. Within days, they grew into riots and attacks on government agencies in many cities across the country. Thousands of people suffered and some were killed. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked for help from the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Peacekeepers are already on a mission in Kazakhstan. According to authorities, constitutional order was restored overall in all regions on January 7. The most difficult situation remains in Almaty. Tokayev declared January 10 a day of national mourning in the republic.
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Based on materials from TASS