Special forces launch new assault on Atambayev’s residence

Law enforcement officers are storming the residence of former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev in Koi-Tash village, the ex-president’s staff said.

"Another assault on the residence has begun, gunshots are heard and stun grenades are used," TASS cited the staff as saying.

Atambayev's supporters had canceled a rally in Bishkek and were heading to his residence in Koi-Tash.

On Wednesday, the special forces of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security attempted to detain Atambayev in his residence in Koi-Tash village but failed. The supporters of the former president were guarding the residence and managed to repel the attack, disarming the special forces officers and capturing six of them. Clashes between the additional police forces that were deployed to the site and Atambayev’s supporters ensued in Koi-Tash. The number of those who sought medical help is 52, one officer was killed.