6 dead, 8 wounded after Kazakh shootings

The death toll has risen to six in attacks on police by suspected Islamic militants in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan's government says an anti-terrorist operation has been launched in the city of Almaty. (AAP)

At least six people have been killed and eight wounded in attacks on police by suspected Islamist militants in Almaty, a source at the Kazakh city's emergency aid hospital told Reuters.

The source said there were four policemen and one civilian among the dead, as well as one suspected attacker. The Interior Ministry had earlier put the death toll at four, including three policemen.