STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 8,  ARTSAKHPRESS: Mr Atambayev's supporters clashed with the troops and one officer died from gunshot wounds, BBC News reports, citing officials.

It is understood Mr Atambayev is still inside his compound, on the outskirts of the capital Bishkek.

Mr Atambayev has been accused of corruption, which he denies. Parliament stripped him of immunity in June.

According to Kyrgyzstan's national security committee (GKNB), special forces armed "only with rubber bullets" were undertaking a "special operation to detain" the former president on Wednesday.

The GKNB said that as the troops moved in, Mr Atambayev's supporters fired back with live ammunition.

The health ministry said 36 people were injured in the clashes in Koi Tash village, including several members of the security forces.

"A special forces officer was delivered (to hospital) in an extremely serious condition with a gunshot wound. Despite resuscitation attempts, he died," a health ministry statement said.

Local media reports said six other soldiers were being held by Mr Atambayev's followers.