Kazakhstan Fires Defense Minister After 14 Soldiers Die in Caspian Exercise

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Daurenov Kosanov on Sunday, September 27. The dismissal came three days after a deadly naval exercise accident in which 14 servicemen lost their lives.

The Accident

On September 24, 17 servicemen of the Kazakh Navy were swept into open waters during a training exercise off the Mangistau coast of the Caspian Sea by a sudden storm with strong winds. Three were rescued; 14 drowned. A criminal investigation was opened into the deaths, and among those detained are the chief of staff, the first deputy commander of the Navy, two unit commanders and several company and platoon commanders.

Ministerial Changes

Kosanov had only been reappointed as defense minister on September 3. His dismissal signals accountability at the top level for the tragedy. Kazakhstan's Navy operates exclusively on the Caspian Sea.