OMM Redaksiyası
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov after 14 servicemen died during a military exercise in the Caspian Sea.
The Kazakh president’s press service announced the decision on Sept. 27. It said Dauren Zhumatyevich Kosanov had been relieved of his position as the country’s defense minister.
How did the incident happen?
The tragedy occurred on Sept. 24 during military exercises in Mangystau Region, on Kazakhstan’s Caspian coast. Seventeen servicemen fell into the sea while disembarking from a boat. Fourteen of them died, while three were rescued.
According to preliminary investigation findings, the servicemen fell into the water as weather conditions deteriorated while they were leaving the boat.
Investigation and commission
A criminal case has been opened over the incident. Five Defense Ministry employees, including the chief of staff and first deputy commander of the Naval Forces, have been detained.
On Sept. 26, Tokayev ordered the establishment of a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation at the Defense Ministry. The investigation will examine the organization of the exercise, safety measures taken as weather conditions worsened at sea, and the responsibility of military officials.
Dauren Kosanov had served as defense minister since 2025 and had been reappointed to the post by Tokayev in September, shortly before the fatal incident.
The Caspian Sea is Kazakhstan’s only coastline. The country maintains naval forces there to protect its maritime interests and infrastructure.
