The residence of the ex-president of Kyrgyzstan is on fire, fighting is underway
Conflicting reports continue to emerge from Kyrgyzstan regarding the operation to arrest former President Almazbek Atambayev. Several hours ago, special forces attempted to detain Atambayev. According to some reports, the operation was successful and he was captured; according to others, the standoff continues. The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan stated that the operation is ongoing, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
At the moment, at least ten people are known to be injured, including a journalist and a member of the national parliament. Five ambulance teams have been sent to the site, hospitals in Bishkek and Chui region are preparing to receive victims.
The headquarters of the former head of state, where they previously announced his detention, stated that Atambayev continues to resist the special forces who are conducting an operation to detain him in the village of Koi-Tash, Chui region.
“The special forces were able to enter the territory of Atambayev’s residence and approach the house where the ex-president is located, who continues to resist,” said a representative of the headquarters. According to him, there is still no complete picture of what is happening, since the special forces are not allowing anyone near the house where Atambayev is located, from where “shots continue to be heard.”
“Atambayev’s supporters are erecting barricades from cut down trees on the outside of the fence to prevent the ex-president from being taken out of the residence,” the source noted, adding that those gathered were burning tires.
The residence of the former president of Kyrgyzstan is on fire, fighting continues.