Kazakh President Dismisses Defense Minister After Drill Deaths
Authorities arrested five Defence Ministry officials and opened a pre-trial investigation after 14 service members died during naval exercises.
- On Saturday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as Defense Minister, replacing Dauren Kossanov, who was dismissed by presidential decree.
- The leadership change follows 14 service members' deaths during naval exercises on Thursday when personnel disembarked from a patrol boat on the Caspian Sea coast in rough weather.
- On Friday, authorities arrested five Defense Ministry officials including the first deputy navy commander; The General Prosecutor's Office is conducting a pre-trial investigation with three other individuals rescued.
- President Tokayev ordered a comprehensive review commission on Friday to examine Defense Ministry operations following the incident.
- Myrzakhmetov, a Major General, previously commanded the Special Operations Forces since January 2024 and graduated from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces.
34 Articles
34 Articles
After the death of 14 military personnel at exercises.
The President of Kazakhstan replaced the Minister of Defence following the death of 14 soldiers during the exercise.
Kazakhstan's Tokayev dismisses defence minister after 14 die during ...
<p>Kazakhstan's president fired his defense minister after the death of 14 soldiers during exercises in the Caspian Sea Kasim-Jomart Tokayev fired Dauren Kosanov and appointed Aidos Mirzakmetov as defense minister. The decision was made after the death 14 military in training.</p>
Kazakhstan Appoints Myrzakhmetov as Defense Minister
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as the Minister of Defense on Sept. 27. Myrzakhmetov was relieved of his previous position as part of his appointment as Defense Minister, Akorda reported. He graduated from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in 2002. Since January 2024, he has served as…
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