Attack on Kazakhstan by "20,000 bandits" was planned - Tokayev

Baku/07.01.22/Turan: A special interdepartmental group has been created to deal with the search and detention of bandits and terrorists who will be brought to strict accountability. Kazakh President Kassym Jomart Tokayev announced this in an address to the nation on January 7.

He acknowledged that law enforcement bodies and the army had not performed at their best. "It became clear that we are short of special forces, special equipment and special means. We will address these issues as a matter of urgency.

It is critical to understand why the state "slept through" the clandestine preparation of terrorist attacks by sleeper cells of militants. Twenty thousand bandits attacked Almata alone.

Their actions showed the presence of a clear plan of attack on military, administrative and social objects practically in all areas, coordinated actions, high combat readiness and brutal cruelty.

Besides the militants, there were specialists skilful in ideological sabotage, adept at using disinformation or "fakes" and capable of manipulating people's attitudes.

It seems that a single command center was in charge of their training and guidance. The National Security Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office have begun to deal with this," Tokayev said.

He went on to say that Internet communications would gradually be hooked up but warned against publishing "provocative materials."

"The counter-terrorist operation is ongoing. The militants have not laid down their weapons and are continue to commit crimes or prepare for them. The fight against them must be brought to an end. Those who do not surrender will be destroyed," he continued.

At the same time, he added, all demands expressed in peaceful terms were heard. As a result of the dialogue, a compromise has been reached and solutions over critical socio-economic problems have been found. -02D-