Fresh unrest in Kyrgyzstan left five people dead and 30 injured, just days after authoritarian president Kurmanbek Bakiyev stepped down, local media reported Monday.
Rival gangs struggling for power set fire to buildings and exchanged gunfire in Mayevka, a northern suburb of the capital Bishkek, the news agency Akipress reported.
The clashes erupted late Monday and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, highlighting the fragile state of law and order since the interim government led by social democrat Roza Otunbayeva took over, DPA reported.
The new administration said it would crack down hard on troublemakers. Deputy Premier Temir Sariyev blamed supporters of Bakiyev for fomenting unrest.
Bakiyev flew to neighbouring Kazakhstan last Thursday and resigned there in an internationally brokered agreement designed to restore calm. His present whereabouts are unknown.
Bakiyev's supporters in southern Kyrgyzstan have demanded his reinstatement, but he faces arrest should he attempt to return. He and his family have been blamed for the more than 80 deaths and 1,600 injured during the uprising against him in April.
The international community has recognized the new government.
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