Kazakhstan: Gunmen attack gun shops and army unit in Aktobe
- 7 hours ago
- Asia
Suspected Islamist militants have killed six people in attacks on two gun shops and an army unit in north-western Kazakhstan, officials say.
Four of the attackers were killed in shootouts with police, but some managed to escape in the city of Aktobe.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors as a manhunt is continuing.
Interior ministry spokesman Almas Sadubayev said the attackers were "followers of radical, non-traditional religious movements".
The phrase is usually used to describe Islamist militants.
Islamist attacks are rare in Kazakhstan. However Aktobe - near the Russian border - was the site of Kazakhstan's first suicide bombing in 2011.
The attackers on Sunday first targeted the shops, killing a vendor, a security guard and a visitor.
They then reportedly seized a bus to break through the gates of the army unit, killing three servicemen.
At least nine soldiers were injured during the attacks.
Video on social media showed a group of armed men walking on the streets of Aktobe and apparently preparing to shoot.
The authorities shut down the entire public transport network, shopping centres and entertainment venues in the city.
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