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CSTO troops returning security duties to Kazakh forces
Updated 21:45, 13-Jan-2022
CGTN

The Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) peacekeeping forces guarding socially-significant objects have begun the transfer process to Kazakhstan's law enforcement agencies, RIA news agency reported on Thursday.

00:31

After protests in cities across the country, the CSTO answered Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's appeal last week for help by sending in 2,500 peacekeeping troops from Russia and other members of a regional security organization. 

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in defending Kazakhstan from what he described as a foreign-backed terrorist uprising, and promised leaders of other ex-Soviet states that a Moscow-led alliance would protect them.

Tokayev said on Tuesday the CSTO's main mission had been successfully completed. It would start a phased withdrawal in two days and pull out altogether within 10 days.

The city administration headquarters in Almaty, Kazakhstan on January 10, 2022. /Reuters

The city administration headquarters in Almaty, Kazakhstan on January 10, 2022. /Reuters

In a video call with parliament after putting down what he has called an attempted coup, Tokayev appointed a new government headed by career public servant Alikhan Smailov on Tuesday.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attends a session of parliament via a video call in Kazakh capital Nur Sultan, January 11, 2022. / Reuters

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attends a session of parliament via a video call in Kazakh capital Nur Sultan, January 11, 2022. / Reuters

Kazakh security forces have detained 9,900 people over the unrest, Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

Read more: 

Putin discusses Kazakhstan with Tokayev and other CTSO leaders over phone

Kazakh president vows to destroy rioters 'within the shortest time'

(With input from Reuters)

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