ASTANA, July 18. /TASS/. The counter-terrorist operation is underway in the Kazakhstani city of Almaty, the city’s department of interior said on Monday.

"The counter-terrorist operation has been declared on the territory of the city of Almaty," the department said. The police ask people "not to leave their homes, to avoid crowded places, immediately report to law enforcement agencies about any suspicious persons and treat with understanding the actions of law enforcement agencies and special forces," it added.

"The society will be additionally informed about any changes in the situation," the department noted.

Earlier today an unidentified man opened fire at police officers near the building of the department of interior of Almaty’s Almalinsky district, tried to stop a car, and then ran down the street and continued shooting. Several areas were cordoned off by the police, gunfire is heard in the city. According to unconfirmed reports, three police officers were injured in the shoot-out.