An operation against religious radicals is underway in Kazakhstan.

The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan has launched a large-scale operation in seven regions of the republic to suppress the activities of criminal groups that include adherents of destructive religious movements, the committee’s press service reported.

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“On February 17, 2024, the National Security Committee, together with the police and with the coordination of the Prosecutor General’s Office in Aktobe, Atyrau, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Turkestan regions and the city of Shymkent, launched an operation to suppress the activities of criminal groups, which include adherents of destructive religious movements,” the statement says.

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It is indicated that the results of the operation will be reported later.

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In November 2023, the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan neutralized cells of a radical religious group in three cities of Kazakhstan – Astana, Atyrau and Zhezkazgan. Then, 12 people were detained on suspicion of promoting terrorism, as well as creating, leading and participating in the activities of an extremist group. According to investigators, the detainees pursued the goal of overthrowing the secular system in Kazakhstan.