Kazakh president dismisses defence minister after Caspian drill deaths

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Dauren Kosanov as defence minister following the deaths of military personnel during exercises in the Caspian Sea, Tokayev’s office said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

“By decree of the head of state, Dauren Zhumataevich Kosanov has been relieved of his duties as Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the statement said.

On Thursday, the Kazakh defence ministry said that 17 naval personnel had been swept out to sea during exercises in the Mangystau region on the Caspian coast due to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strengthening winds.

Fourteen of them died, while three were rescued.

A criminal case has been opened into the deaths of the sailors on charges of “negligent performance of duty resulting in grave consequences” and “violation of navigation rules”.

A government commission was established to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragedy.

The Kazakh interior ministry previously announced the detention of five defence ministry officials in connection with the investigation.

Tokayev ordered the creation of a commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of the agency and instructed it to present preliminary findings within seven days.