Tokayev Appoints New Defense Minister of Kazakhstan // Tokayev Appoints Aidos Myrzakhmetov as New Defense Minister of Kazakhstan

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on the appointment of the head of the Ministry of Defense of the country, commander of the Special Operations Forces Aidos Myrzakhmetov. This was reported by the press service of the Kazakh leader.

Today, Mr. Tokayev by another decree released Dauren Kosanov, Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan. On September 26, the Kazakh president ordered the creation of a commission to comprehensively check the state of affairs in the Defense Ministry after the death of servicemen during the exercises.

September 24, during the maneuvers "Khazar Korgany - 2026" during the landing of servicemen from the boat "Kaisar" in the sea took 17 people. Only three of them were saved. National mourning was declared in Kazakhstan on September 25. In fact, a criminal case has been opened. The defense Ministry explained the death of sailors sudden and sharp deterioration of the weather. The security forces detained five employees of the department, including the first deputy commander of the Navy.

Aidos Myrzakhmetov graduated from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in 2002. Until January, he headed the State Security Service and was later appointed commander of the Special Operations Forces. In May 2026, President Tokayev awarded Mr. Myrzakhmetov the rank of major general.