Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has decided to dismiss Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov. The personnel decision followed a high-profile tragedy that occurred during military exercises of the republic's armed forces in the Caspian Sea, resulting in the deaths of several servicemen.
Chronology of the Caspian Tragedy
The incident took place on September 24, 2026, in the Mangystau region during scheduled naval exercises. According to the investigation, due to worsening weather conditions, 17 servicemen were swept out to open sea while disembarking from a ship. As a result of a search and rescue operation, three people were saved, but 14 servicemen died. This loss became one of the largest non-combat tragedies in the modern history of the Kazakh army.
Personnel Purges and Criminal Prosecution
Immediately after the emergency, the authorities initiated a large-scale criminal investigation. Five high-ranking Ministry of Defense officials were arrested as part of the case, including the Chief of the General Staff and the First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kazakh Navy. On September 26, President Tokayev signed a decree establishing a special state commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of safety and the general state of affairs within the agency.
New Appointment and Political Consequences
Against the backdrop of the resignation of Dauren Kosanov, who had headed the defense department since 2025 and was re-appointed to the post in September of this year, the head of state signed a decree appointing a new minister. Aidos Myrzakhmetov took over the position. Experts note that the minister's resignation and arrests among the top brass are intended to demonstrate a tough response to negligence.
