164 killed in protests in Kazakhstan

More than 2,200 citizens were said to be injured in the violence, which prompted Kazakhstan's security forces to use violence to suppress protests against the country's government.

According to the Kazakhstan Health Ministry, 719 citizens are still being treated in hospitals, 83 of them in critical condition.

Authorities did not comment on the nature of injuries, the DPA reports.

Demonstrations promoted by rising fuel prices began a week ago in the face of Kazakhstan, before becoming a broader anti-government uprising.

In Almay, the country's largest city, protests went into riots and clashes, with dozens of buildings and businesses burning.

About 1,100 people there sought medical help, the report said. Initially, it was unclear how many of the victims were civilians.

Previously, the authorities had spoken of more than 40 deaths, among them at least 16 policemen and soldiers.

On Friday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had issued an order to shoot down protesters who threatened his government's survival.

After a meeting Sunday, his office said operations to curb the protests were continuing and described the situation as under control.

“Measures are being taken to locate and arrest terrorists,” he said.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday condemned the Kazakh president's order to shoot in the direction of protesters. Secretary Blinken made these comments for the CNN broadcaster.

If this is national policy, [I] condemn that policy,” said Blinken.

“Authorities in Kazakhstan should be able to deal with the challenges they are facing peacefully, to ensure that the rights of those who are peacefully protesting” are being protected, said Secretary Blecken.

So far, almost 6,000 people have been arrested, including many foreigners, according to Kazakhstan's president's office. / REL/