Moscow-led peacekeeping mission arrives as violent clashes between protesters and security forces escalate in Kazakhstan.
Russian paratroopers have been deployed to Kazakhstan as part of a “peacekeeping” mission organized by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Moscow-led military alliance. This intervention comes after Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for assistance to restore order amidst violent protests that have gripped the country.
The CSTO, which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, swiftly approved the request for intervention. Violent clashes continue between protesters, police, and the army, particularly in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, local news agencies report that dozens of people have been killed in attacks on government buildings.
As of Thursday morning, Almaty city authorities confirmed that 353 police and security personnel were injured, with 12 fatalities reported. Meanwhile, shots rang out as Russian troops entered Almaty’s main square, and multiple armoured personnel carriers and troops were seen arriving at the scene.
