Kazakhstan's head of state dismisses defense minister after Caspian tragedy
Kazakhstan's head of state signed a decree relieving Dauren Kosanov of the post of Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, El.kz reported, citing the press service of Akorda.
The dismissal followed an accident during exercises of Kazakhstan's Naval Forces on the Caspian coast in the Mangystau region on Sept. 24, 2026. 17 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea, and three of them were rescued.
The search and rescue operation went on until the bodies of the last two servicemen who died were found.
By order of the head of state, Sept. 25, 2026, was declared a day of national mourning.
El.kz also reported that the head of a special commission had promised to ensure a fair distribution of funds to the servicemen's families.
