The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan announced on Monday that it neutralized "two extremist cells" in Almaty, whose members participated in the riots that took place in the country.

In a statement, the Committee detailed that the two cells were neutralized after search operations to arrest riot participants and identify their motives. 

The members of the cells, according to the statement, participated in the riots in major cities from January 4 to January 8, 2022.

In the same regard, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan described the recent events in his country as a hybrid terrorist attack aimed at destabilizing and destroying the foundations of the state.

On Sunday, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Interior announced that more than 5,100 people were arrested during the recent riots in the country.

The Interior Minister, Yerlan Turgumbayev, stated that about 300 people were arrested while trying to cross the country's borders, adding that they were found in possession of firearms, stolen items, and large sums of money in local and foreign currencies.

The Russian peacekeeping troops, part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) deployment to protest-torn Kazakhstan, conducted emergency prevention drills at an airport near Almaty on Sunday, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators erupted in the city center of Almaty in Kazakhstan, over surging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices. 

As a result, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law a decree declaring a state of emergency in the west of the country and Almaty, the country's largest city.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades in a bid to break up the thousands-strong protest in Almaty on Tuesday night. The police later opened fire after the protesters refused to disperse, and estimates suggest there are more than 5,000 demonstrators.

In an effort to thwart protests following a hike in oil prices, the Kazakh President dismissed the country's cabinet.