At least 12 soldiers were killed during Kazakh naval exercises

During exercises of the Kazakh Navy, at least 12 soldiers were killed and swept into the Caspian Sea. Three more people were rescued, and the search for two servicemen continues.

The incident occurred on September 24 in the Mangystau region, in southwestern Kazakhstan.

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said in a telegram that 17 people were swept out to sea. According to him, this happened “during a combat training mission due to a sharp deterioration in meteorological conditions and increased wind.”

The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan does not specify under what circumstances the soldiers died and during which exercises.

However, on September 22, a message appeared in a telegram from the Kazakh defense department about the military exercises “Defense of the Caspian 2026” being held “in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea.” More than 500 military personnel, warships and coastal units are taking part in the maneuvers.

On Thursday evening, the Kazakh Ministry of Defense published a list of names of the 12 dead, which included 11 conscript sailors and one senior lieutenant.

The footage published by Lada.kz supposedly shows a rescue operation. Judging by the footage taken during the day, strong winds continue in the area of ​​the incident. There is a warship at sea in the area of ​​operation.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences over the death of the military and declared September 25 a day of national mourning.

According to the Kazinform agency, Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev said that he headed the commission to investigate the incident, and that “in connection with the incident, the authorized bodies have already initiated criminal cases.”