In Kazakhstan, protesters have seized the Almaty airport. This was reported by the website Orda.kz on January 5, Izvestia reported.

Employees are currently being evacuated from the airport. Aktau airport also stopped working earlier in the day. The air hub's website is also inaccessible from abroad.

Late departure and arrival flights have also been canceled by Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport in the capital of the republic, Nur-Sultan. The decision to cancel was taken because of the curfew imposed in the city.

The regime applies after 23:00 local time.

Russian air carrier Aeroflot has canceled a flight from Moscow to Almaty amid anti-government protests in Kazakhstan. The flight departing at 20:55 has been canceled.

Earlier on Wednesday, electricity, and internet were cut off in several houses near the Kazakh president's residence in Almaty. Protesters seized the presidential residence in Almaty earlier in the day and a fire broke out in the building.

Almost 500 people, including 130 women and the elderly, were beaten in Kazakhstan's Almaty city, according to authorities. 120 vehicles were burnt, including 33 ambulances and fire engines.

Recall that protests over the sharp increase in gas prices began in Mangistau immediately after the New Year. Actions took place in Zhanaozen, Kuryk, Akshukur, Aktau, and other settlements of the region after the price of gas for refueling vehicles doubled to 120 tenges per liter.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a new speech to citizens on January 5. He said he would act harshly against the perpetrators, and said there were victims and casualties among law enforcers due to attacks on law enforcers. In his opinion, the protests might have been organized by conspirators who were "financially motivated".