The command was carried out by Atambayev's followers, who tried to prevent the president from being arrested. A total of 36 people were injured in the clash that occurred during Wednesday night.

“A commander in the security forces was taken to hospital in a very serious condition with a gunshot wound. Despite his revival attempts, he died, ”the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health writes in a statement.

Increased security at the home

Atambayev, who ruled the country between 2011 and 2017, has in recent weeks increased security at his residence in the village of Koi-Tash, south of the capital, after growing tensions between him and his successor Sooronbaj Zjeenbekov.

The two men were friends when Atambayev surrendered power, but ended up in the limelight shortly thereafter after the president openly criticized Zjeenbekov.

After Parliament asserted Atambayev's immunity, he called the new government a "mafia clan." In return, they cut off the electricity supply to Koi-Tash and shut down the village from the mobile network and the internet.

"The people here are preparing"

Now the president and his supporters are preparing for more clashes.

“His followers stole weapons from the special forces, who went to retreat after the crowd pressure. Atambayev is still at home ... it is rumored that reinforcements will be sent. The people here are preparing, ”says an eyewitness who broadcast the storm on Facebook.