“As part of the state of emergency, measures are being taken throughout the country. 26 armed criminals were killed and 18 were injured,” the Ministry said.

“Protection of public order, objects of strategic importance, cleaning of streets are carried out by law enforcement forces, armed and subordinate forces,” the ministry added.

More than 3000 protests were arrested, according to interior ministry figures.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the leadership of the Presidential Administration, the Security Council, and law enforcement agencies in Akorda residence.

“Operational situation in the country, the course of the anti-terrorist operation, as well as the current situation in the regions have been reviewed at the meeting,” the presidency said in a statement.

“Anti-terror operation has kicked off. The law enforcement forces are working hard. The constitutional order has been mainly restored in all regions. Local authorities are monitoring the situation. But terrorists are still using weapons, causing damage to civilian property. Therefore, counter-terrorist operation will continue until the total destruction of the militants,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

According to the statement, the heads of law enforcement agencies reported that units of the joint peacekeeping contingent of the CSTO began to arrive in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order.

“This contingent arrived for a limited period of time to carry out mainly the functions of covering and ensuring the protection of strategic facilities, the statement noted, adding that “during the meeting, the Acting Ministers of Internal Affairs and Defense, as well as the Chairman of the National Security Committee made reports to the President.”

Protests broke out in Kazakhstan on Sunday after a sudden sharp increase in gas prices in which according to the Kazakh government was due to high demand and price-fixing.

The protests began in the oil town of Zhanaozen but have quickly spread to other cities in the country, including the largest city, Almaty.

In response, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev introduced a state of emergency in Mangystau District and Almaty, effective from Wednesday. The curfew is in place until 19 January. (ILKHA)