Six people were killed in militant attacks on two gun shops and an army unit in north-western part of Kazakhstan. Officials said, the attackers yesterday first targeted the shops, killing a vendor, a security guard and a visitor. The militants 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.
Officials said, 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. The authorities shut down the entire public transport network, shopping centres and entertainment venues in the city. Interior Ministry spokesman said, the attackers were followers of radical, non-traditional religious movements. The phrase is usually used to describe Islamist militants.