In Kazakhstan arrested ex-commander of the Navy in the case of the death of the military during the exercises

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of Kazakhstan Kanat Niyazbekov was arrested in the case of the death of servicemen during exercises in the Caspian Sea. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed him last week.

In the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea, on September 22, the exercises “Defense of the Caspian — 2026” began. More than 500 soldiers participated. On September 24, during military exercises due to a sharp deterioration in the weather, 17 servicemen of Kazakhstan were carried into the sea. Only three of them were saved.

Kanat Niyazbekov explained the incident by weather conditions and increased waves. Asked if these factors were taken into account in the conduct of such exercises, he said: “In general, they are taken into account.”.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev demanded that all those responsible be brought to justice. Five officials have already been arrested, and the inspection commission of the Kazakh Defense Ministry revealed irregularities in the preparation and planning of the exercises.

Lucine Balasian