Kazakh president dismisses defense minister after 14 soldiers die in military exercise
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has removed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov from office, three days after 14 servicemen drowned during a naval exercise in the Caspian Sea. Aidos Mirzakhmetov has been appointed as his replacement.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov, just three days after a training exercise tragedy left 14 servicemen dead near the Caspian Sea coast.
Kosanov had been reappointed to the defense minister post on September 3, meaning he held the role for less than a month before his removal.
Deadly incident at sea
On September 24, naval forces were carrying out a combat training exercise in the Mangystau region when a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds swept 17 servicemen out into open water. Three were rescued, but 14 died.
A criminal case has been opened over the deaths. Among those detained are the chief of staff, the first deputy commander of the naval forces, two military unit commanders, and the commanders of a marine infantry company and a patrol boat.
New appointment
Tokayev has appointed Aidos Mirzakhmetov as the new defense minister. The news was reported by the Kazakhstan Today agency, citing the presidential administration.
