Military exercises in Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea ended in tragedy, leaving 14 servicemen dead.
The incident occurred on September 24 in the Mangystau Region during a training combat mission. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense, 17 servicemen were swept out to sea after a sharp deterioration in weather conditions and strengthening winds.
Three servicemen were rescued. Authorities initially reported that 12 people had died, while searches for two others continued through the night.
On the morning of September 25, search teams found the bodies of two servicemen who had previously been considered missing. The death toll therefore reached 14, after which the search-and-rescue operation was concluded.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning. The Ministry of Defense said the families of those who died would receive the necessary financial and psychological assistance.
Kazakh authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy. The investigation is also examining whether safety measures were followed and whether negligence may have occurred in organizing the exercises.
Condolences also came from Türkiye. Kürşad Zorlu, deputy chairman of the Justice and Development Party, expressed support for the people of Kazakhstan, emphasizing the fraternal ties and solidarity between the two countries.
Tokayev replaces defense minister, orders military reform
On September 27, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov and appointed 45-year-old Maj. Gen. Aidos Myrzakhmetov. "Our army is stuck in the last century," Tokayev said, noting that troops in the drills lacked even marine life jackets. He gave officials 10 days to draw up a military reform plan focused on spending efficiency, command structure, digitalization and appointments based on competence rather than personal loyalty. Five officers, including the navy chief of staff, have been detained in the negligence case.
