VIDEO: Current Situation at Almaty Square

As previously reported, this morning, troops arrived at the square in front of the Almaty City Hall and began operations to 'clean' the area from those provoking disturbances. This was reported by TASS.

Earlier, dozens of armed and aggressive individuals gathered at the square. After some time, around 300 soldiers arrived in armored vehicles and trucks, and they began to surround the square along its perimeter, pushing peaceful residents away. Gunfire broke out later in the area, with soldiers also firing into the air.

It should be noted that mass protests have been taking place in many cities of Kazakhstan since the beginning of January due to the increase in liquefied gas prices. Starting January 1, purchases of liquefied gas began to be conducted at market prices based on the balance of supply and demand. The authorities explained that until now, this type of fuel was sold below cost price, causing losses for producers.

However, the increase in fuel prices led to public discontent, particularly in Aktau and Zhanaozen, where protesters began demanding a reduction in prices. Although later a government commission announced it was ready to meet protesters' demands and lower the price, the protests did not cease.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on citizens not to succumb to the calls of destructive individuals who are 'interested in disrupting the stability and unity of Kazakh society.' Before his resignation, President Tokayev held a meeting focused on the country's socio-economic situation, during which he stated that 'the government is to blame for allowing the protest situation related to the increase in liquefied gas prices,' particularly noting the role of the Ministry of Energy.