Four checkpoints were installed in Atyrau at the entrance to the regional center, Trend reports citing Kazinform.
"In connection with the anti-terrorist operation being carried out in the Atyrau region, restrictions have been introduced on the movement of vehicles across the region. Currently, at the entrances to the regional center, there are four checkpoints and nine mobile groups. The Atyrau International Airport also operates in a mode of enhanced security measures. Here, all passengers are also thoroughly checked. At checkpoints, along with identity documents of citizens, personal belongings are checked, vehicles are searched," said the press service of the regional akimat.
Kazakhstan's government announced late Jan. 4 that it was restoring some price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after the rare protests reached Almaty following a sharp rise in the price of the fuel at the start of the year.
Many Kazakhs have converted their cars to run on LPG, which is far cheaper than gasoline as a vehicle fuel in Kazakhstan because of price caps. But the government argued that the low price was unsustainable and lifted the caps on Jan. 1.
After the price of the fuel spiked, big demonstrations erupted on Jan. 2 in certain parts of the country. Public protests are illegal in the country unless their organizers file a notice in advance.
Following the development of the situation, the government declared a state of emergency all over the country. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the government initiated anti-terrorist operations to deal with the ongoing riots.
Also, the divisions of the united peacekeeping contingent of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) arrived in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order and help protect strategic objects of the country.