Former head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, has commented publicly on his unexpected dismissal, saying the decision came as a complete surprise while he was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

Tashiev said he learned about his removal while receiving treatment in Germany, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

“An unexpected incident occurred. Yesterday I was dismissed from my position. It came as a total shock to me,” he stated.

Despite the abrupt nature of the decision, the former security chief emphasized that he had honestly and faithfully fulfilled his duty to the country. He also stressed that officers of the State Committee for National Security are obligated to follow the decisions of the president.

Tashiev’s statement marks his first public reaction to the move, which has drawn significant attention in Kyrgyzstan’s political circles.