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Ten years have passed since the city of Aktobe, Kazakhstan, was shaken by a series of coordinated attacks. The fate of those convicted in connection with the 2016 terrorist acts has now come to light, with reports indicating that three of the sentenced individuals have died while serving their time in prison.

The Aktobe Attacks: A Day of Terror

On June 5, 2016, radical groups launched multiple assaults across Aktobe. The first target was the 'Pallada' arms shop, where a salesperson was killed and a guard injured. The attackers seized a significant cache of weapons, including at least 17 firearms, pistols, ammunition, and knives.

Less than an hour later, the armed perpetrators split into two groups. One group, using a stolen patrol vehicle, attacked the 'Panthera' arms shop, fatally stabbing one person and injuring another. A shootout ensued when police arrived, resulting in the deaths of three attackers on the spot, with one wounded and captured, and two others who fled but were later apprehended and eliminated.

Assault on a Military Unit

Simultaneously, another group of radicals hijacked a public bus, forced passengers out, and infiltrated a National Guard military unit. A fierce exchange of fire with military and police personnel led to the deaths of three National Guard soldiers and injuries to six others.

The city was placed under a large-scale special operation. Public transport was halted, residents were urged to stay indoors, and communication and internet services experienced disruptions. Kazakhstan declared a 40-day yellow terror threat level.

In total, the attacks claimed 25 lives: 4 civilians, 3 military personnel, and 18 terrorists who were neutralized during the operation.

Court Verdicts and Sentences

The Aktobe court tried nine key individuals directly involved in the terrorist acts. An additional 20 people were found guilty but received shorter sentences as they were not directly involved in the assaults, bringing the total number of convicted individuals to 29.

Seven men identified as primary participants – Bakhyt Kuanychbayev, Askhat Imangaliyev, Anuar Sadikhov, Zhanabay Kuanychbayev, Alibek Akpanbetov, Arsen Tanatarov, and Askhat Rakhmetov – were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Two other participants, Aidos Zhubanov and Azamat Abdrakhmanov, received sentences of 25 and 22 years respectively, and were sent to prison colonies.

Current Status of Convicts

Inquiries were made to the Committee of the Criminal Executive System regarding the current whereabouts and activities of the convicted individuals. While specific details about their daily lives in prison were not disclosed, it was confirmed that three of the inmates have passed away.

The report stated: "Convicts Aidos Zhubanov, Askhat Imangaliyev, and Askhat Rakhmetov have died."