Kazakhstan Punishes Those Responsible for Exercise Accident
According to a report by Reference News on September 30, the website of the Russian newspaper reported on September 28 that Kazakh President Tokayev signed a presidential decree to dismiss Defense Minister Kasanov from his position. The relevant order has been published on the official website of the head of state.
This incident stems from a tragedy that occurred on September 24: on that day, during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea in Mangystau region, 17 soldiers were swept into the sea while carrying out training tasks. They all served in the 29011 unit, and only 3 were rescued. The cause of the accident was a sudden deterioration in weather conditions.
The Kazakh Ministry of Defense stated that more than 250 soldiers, 37 military divers, 34 ground vehicles, 14 ships, and 4 helicopters participated in the rescue operation.
According to a report from the Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs, 5 officials from the Ministry of Defense have been detained due to this incident and are being held in a temporary detention center in Aktau.
The new Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan is Major General Aidos Merzakhmetov, who previously served as the commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Kazakh Armed Forces. On the 27th, he met with Tokayev and received instructions to "strengthen national defense capabilities, improve the readiness level of the armed forces, and enhance the military management system."
In addition, according to Tokayev's presidential decree, Kazakhstan has established a special committee to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Defense's affairs, including the financial and logistical support of the troops. The committee is led by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Chair of the Security Council of Kazakhstan. The initial results of the committee's work are to be released by October 3.
Meanwhile, media reports indicate that several Kazakh citizens have been held legally accountable for spreading false information related to the incident. (Translation/Wei Lianglei)
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Kasanov following a naval exercise on September 24, 2023, where 17 soldiers were swept into the sea, resulting in only 3 rescues. A special committee has been established to investigate the incident and the operations of the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, 5 officials have been detained for their roles in the tragedy.
- Kazakhstan's President Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Kasanov due to a naval exercise incident.
- 17 soldiers were swept into the sea during a training exercise on September 24, 2023.
- Only 3 of the 17 soldiers were rescued from the incident.
- A special committee has been formed to investigate the Ministry of Defense's operations.
- 5 defense officials have been detained in connection with the incident.