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Security forces in the Central Asian state of Kazakhstan say they have killed dozens of anti-government rioters in the main city, Almaty and twelve members of the security forces have been killed. About 1,000 people have reportedly been injured in the unrest, with 400 being treated in hospital and 62 in intensive care. Protesters also targeted the mayor's office in Almaty and Kazakhstan's main airport, while water cannon were used against protesters in the western city of Aktobe.

Unrest began with protests over a sudden rise in the price of gas for vehicles but quickly spiralled into what looks like a much wider anti-government revolt, with rumours the airport and certain television studios are being targeted by the protesters.

Joanna Lillis, a journalist usually based in Almaty but currently in London, says communication shutdowns have made it difficult to establish what has happened, but that it's likely the death toll will rise as the government cracks down on the protests. She says that ordinary people are angry as they feel they have not experienced the benefits of the oil production and that corruption is rife, and are calling for an overhaul of the political system.

Photo: Troops in the main square in Almaty where hundreds of people have been protesting against the government Credit: Reuters

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