BISHKEK (TCA) — Authorities in Kyrgyzstan say that security forces have killed two suspected militants who planned a terrorist act in the capital Bishkek and northern Chui province on the eve of the country’s Independence Day celebrated on August 31.
The State Committee for National Security said the exchange of gunfire occurred in the Jaiyl district in the Chui province on August 29.
According to the Committee, security forces opened fire after three suspected members of a terrorist group who were holed up in a house refused to surrender, RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service reported.
The Committee said two of the suspects were killed and the third one was injured and captured.
The Committee said there were no casualties among the security forces.
Authorities began searching for the suspects on August 24 after two men threatened a police patrol with a gun and grenade in the capital, Bishkek, the Committee said.
It said a fourth alleged member of the same group was detained in Bishkek and that investigators found a gun and ammunition in the suspect’s home.
The National Security Committee did not identify any of the suspected militants by name.
Kyrgyz authorities have arrested dozens of people suspected of being members of banned Islamic groups and militant groups in recent years.
Kyrgyz officials say hundreds of citizens of the Central Asian country have traveled to the Middle East to fight alongside Islamic State militants in recent years.
