InfoHub Logo

The National Security Committee (KNB) of Kazakhstan has declassified the story of Lieutenant Colonel Altyn Askarova, a female officer who played a crucial role in rescuing children from Syria and rehabilitating citizens returning from conflict zones. Her courageous actions, previously shrouded in secrecy, are now being brought to light.

Leading the Rescue Mission

Lieutenant Colonel Askarova spearheaded a complex operation in March 2023 to bring a 6-year-old girl, whose father was a terrorist, back to Kazakhstan from Syria. This intricate mission involved the coordinated efforts of diplomats, intelligence officers, and international humanitarian organizations, ensuring the child's safe return.

The 'Zhusan' Operation and Rehabilitation Efforts

Between 2019 and 2021, Kazakhstan conducted the 'Zhusan' operation, successfully repatriating its citizens from Syria and Iraq. Upon their return, these individuals were housed in a rehabilitation center in Aktau. Lieutenant Colonel Askarova took charge of the adaptation process for hundreds of these returnees.

Under her leadership, a dedicated team comprising doctors, educators, psychologists, and emergency service personnel worked tirelessly to help individuals reintegrate into normal life. Askarova faced the challenging task of engaging with women who had endured immense psychological distress and fear, navigating the complexities of re-establishing trust and connection to their homeland.

Aiding Over 600 Individuals

Through Askarova's guidance, more than 600 individuals, including 150 women and approximately 400 children, successfully completed their rehabilitation. One of the returnees described her as a "brave person, no less than any man," highlighting her genuine empathy and dedication.

"She is an officer who showed sincere compassion to every person. She helped us not to fall into complete despair and to feel peaceful life again," the individual shared, underscoring her vital role in their recovery.

Posthumous Recognition

Tragically, Altyn Askarova passed away from illness in 2023. In recognition of her bravery and exceptional service, the President of Kazakhstan posthumously awarded her the medal "For Military Valor." The KNB stated that her "boundless loyalty to the Motherland has forever inscribed her name in the history of the department."

Official figures indicate that since 2019, the KNB has facilitated the return of 518 minors, including 34 orphans, from conflict zones to Kazakhstan.