DID Press: Kazakhstan’s president has dismissed the country’s defense minister following a deadly accident during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea that killed 14 soldiers.
According to a statement from the presidential office, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree removing Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov from his post.
The decision followed an accident during naval exercises off the coast of Mangystau region, in which 17 soldiers fell into the Caspian Sea. Three were rescued, while 14 others died. Search-and-rescue operations continued until the bodies of all victims were recovered.
Kazakhstan declared Sept. 25 a national day of mourning following the incident. Authorities have also established a special commission to investigate the causes and circumstances of the accident.
Tokayev and other senior officials have called for a full investigation and support for the families of the soldiers who died. The defense minister’s dismissal came as the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.