In pictures: Kyrgyzstan protests

1 of 12 Protests in the central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan have escalated since the weekend, as protesters complained about recent elections and called for President Askar Akayev to quit.

2 of 12 On Monday, in the southern city of Osh, soldiers simply ran away as protesters captured a government building.

3 of 12 It gave the protesters a clear run to enter the building.

4 of 12 The protesters are angry about a range of local and economic issues, but all want President Akayev to stand down

5 of 12 By Tuesday, protesters were in full control of Osh, the country's second-largest city

6 of 12 No single opposition figurehead has emerged so far. Two prominent figures are former foreign minister Roza Otunbaeva, and Anvar Artykov

7 of 12 Supporters of the government have also rallied, but in smaller numbers

8 of 12 Protests first broke out in the capital Bishkek on Wednesday but they were quickly dispersed by riot police

9 of 12 By Thursday, thousands more gathered for a mass demonstration in Bishkek.

10 of 12 They chanted and called for Kyrgyz President Akayev to resign.

11 of 12 By early-afternoon hundreds of protesters stormed the presidential compound in Bishkek forcing pro-Akayev supporters to flee.

12 of 12 Earlier, opposition protesters clashed with pro-government forces in Bishkek, fighting running street battles.