Violent seizure of power was planned for August 31 in Kyrgyzstan - SCNS

A violent seizure of power was planned in Kyrgyzstan on Independence Day. The press center of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) reported.

Recall, the security services detained five Kyrgyzstanis, who planned an armed seizure of power. A large number of weapons, explosives and police uniforms were found during the search of their homes.

The SCNS reported the details of the operation on prevention of the attempted violent seizure of power.

«The suspects, under the influence of certain destructive political forces, for several months hatched plans for a violent seizure of power by destabilizing the socio-political situation in the country and organizing mass riots in Bishkek that could lead to the death of citizens. They planned to organize a sporting event near Bishkek on Independence Day to gather young people from all regions of the country,» the SCNS said.

The SCNS added that some opposition leaders were to be invited to the event as provocateurs to encourage the crowd to march to the center of Bishkek. On the way, the pre-prepared athletes and criminal elements were to organize mass riots, arson, pogroms, and resistance to police with the use of weapons.

«A prearranged group of people would seize the sports and shooting range, take possession of weapons and use them against law enforcement agencies and citizens in order to provoke and escalate the situation,» the SCNS said.

To forcibly seize power, the group has been holding meetings in some areas of the country with so-called mafia enforcers since early 2024. They bought weapons, body armor, explosives and large quantities of police uniforms.

When searching the homes of members of the destructive group, the following items were found:

• 50 weapons;
• 20 pistols;
• 255,238 rounds of ammunition;
• 200 sets of law enforcement uniforms;
• 150 police and 100 military headdresses;
• 38 sets of body armor;
• 2 drones, walkie-talkies, homemade explosives, extremist literature.

It was also found out that the detainees were involved in organizing rallies against foreigners.

The detainees were placed in the temporary detention center of the SCNS until August 21. At present, investigative and operational activities are being carried out.