Kyrgyz President Akayev has reportedly fled to Russia after protesters stormed the presidential compound:

One key opposition figure, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was at the scene, and state TV appeared to be in opposition hands ???????? underscoring the impression that the hitherto fragmented opposition was consolidating control. Another leading opposition figure was said to have been freed from prison.

Thick plumes of black smoke rose from two burning cars, apparently belonging to government officials, near the government headquarters several hours after the takeover. It was unclear how the cars were set ablaze.

The tumultuous scene was the culmination of the first major rally in the capital since opposition supporters seized control of key cities and towns in the south this week to press demands that Akayev step down amid widespread allegations of fraud during parliamentary elections in the former Soviet republic.

An ex-lawmaker said Kyrgyzstan’s former parliament will hold an emergency session later Thursday.

Akayev’s whereabouts were uncertain amid conflicting reports, but the Russian news agency Interfax said he was flown to Russia by helicopter, while his family was taken to neighboring Kazakhstan.

Gateway Pundit has a post on the violence that lead to this latest development.

There are also reports that protesters now control government offices.

Protesters in Kyrgyzstan today occupied the offices of President Askar Akayev in an effort to force him to resign over allegations of election fraud, according to television footage. Akayev left the capital by helicopter, Interfax reported.

The government headquarters was ablaze after it was overrun by demonstrators, live pictures from APTN Direct showed. A protester carried a large red flag as a group fanned out through one of the buildings, APTN Direct showed in an earlier transmission. A young man sat behind the desk in an unidentified leader’s office as it was taken over by fellow protesters.

It looks like Akayev has also resigned to his fate, excuse the bad pun.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan President Askar Akayev has resigned, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported, citing an opposition leader hours after protesters stormed the presidential compound in the former Soviet republic.

The Russian news agency quoted Kyrgyzstan opposition leader Felix Kulov, who was released from prison on Thursday, as saying that Akayev has resigned. The report could not immediately be confirmed.

Earlier, the Interfax news agency said Akayev had been flown to Russia and his family had been taken to Kazakhstan.

Nathan has great photos going up, even video, and his site is being updated constantly. The protestors in the north are wearing tulip colored yellow, whereas the people in the south found pink more fashionable.

UPDATE: Nobody can confirm where the hell Akayev is. But on a good note, Condoleezza Rice is optimistic. Check Nathan for the details.
Stay tuned.