Kazakh President Dismisses Defense Minister After Caspian Tragedy

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has removed Defense Minister Daurin Kusanov from his post following a fatal incident at sea that claimed the lives of 14 military personnel. The dismissal comes as a direct response to the deaths of service members who were swept away by waves during routine drills in the Caspian Sea.

Circumstances of the Naval Disaster

The Ministry of Defense reported on Thursday that severe weather conditions and strong winds struck Mangystau province, located on the Caspian coast, while naval exercises were underway. These sudden environmental changes caused waves to sweep 17 military sailors into the sea. While three individuals were successfully rescued, the remaining 14 lost their lives in the incident.

Legal Actions and Government Response

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities launched a criminal investigation based on two specific legal grounds: negligence in performing duties leading to grave consequences, and violations of ship command regulations. A government committee was also established to examine the causes and circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Earlier announcements from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that five officials within the Defense Ministry have been detained as part of the ongoing inquiry. President Tokayev ordered the formation of a commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of the ministry, requiring it to present its initial findings within seven days.