Photo Courtesy of Akorda Press Service
Kazakhstan has thwarted the preparation of four terrorist attacks since the beginning of this year, according to Yerlan Sagimbayev, chairman of the country’s National Security Committee (NSC). He delivered the update to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Akorda press service reported.
Sagimbayev did not provide further details. However, media outlets have previously reported at least two thwarted attempts to carry out terrorist attacks in Kazakhstan.
In April, NSC officers detained a supporter of radical religious ideology in Aktau. During a search, they discovered components for an explosive device with shrapnel elements. The individual reportedly planned to target a government facility in the Mangystau region. Last fall, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
In November, NSC officers apprehended a suspect and accomplices allegedly preparing an attack on a facility within Kazakhstan's penal system.
This year, 84 individuals have been convicted of terrorism or extremism-related crimes, while 44 others were detained based on NSC investigations. Six Kazakh nationals wanted for terrorist activities were extradited from Syria and Turkey, two of whom have already been sentenced. Authorities also blocked attempts by 824 foreigners associated with terrorism to enter Kazakhstan.
In 2022, Kazakhstan prevented three terrorist attacks. A total of 56 individuals were convicted of terrorist or extremist crimes that year.
Earlier this spring, Sagimbayev informed President Tokayev that NSC officers had averted several terrorist incidents, including a planned bombing in a crowded public area. Nineteen individuals were arrested in connection with those cases, although details about the specific location of the intended attack were not disclosed.
