Kazakhstan: 18 members of the security forces die in riots over the gas surge

At least 18 members of the security forces were killed and 748 injured in the riots shaking Kazakhstan for several days, Russian news agencies reported Thursday, citing the Kazakh Interior Ministry.

A previous balance estimated the death toll at 13 and the number of wounded members of the security forces of this former Central Asian Soviet republic at 353.

According to the same source, the number of people arrested in connection with the riots has risen to 2,298, compared to 2,000 previously.

Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, has been rocked for several days by a movement that began with protests against rising gas prices.

In Almaty, the largest city in the country, protesters set fire to official buildings, including the town hall and the presidential residence.

Security forces responded by firing live ammunition.

“Dozens” of people died and more than a thousand were injured, according to authorities.

“The most difficult situation is in Almaty, where armed elements have seized and partially destroyed the premises of various institutions, financial organizations and television channels,” the Kazakh Interior Ministry was quoted as saying by news agencies.

In addition, roads and a railway line were “blocked” in the west of the country, he added.

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