Tokayev fires defense minister after 14 military deaths

President of Kazakhstan dismissed the Minister of Defense after 14 military personnel died during exercises. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent Republic of Kazakhstan Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov on leave.

Consensus

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev removed Dauren Kosanov from his position as Minister of Defense.
Aidos Myrzakhmetov was appointed as the new Minister of Defense.
The dismissal followed the deaths of 14 military personnel during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.
The incident occurred on September 24, 2026, during exercises named 'Khazar Korganы — 2026'.
17 military personnel were swept into the sea during a landing operation from the boat 'Kaysar'.
Three were rescued, 14 died.
A state commission was established to conduct a comprehensive review of the Ministry of Defense.
Criminal cases were initiated against several officials, including the first deputy commander of the Navy and commanders of military units.
A national day of mourning was declared on September 25.
The bodies of all 14 deceased were recovered by September 25.
The Ministry of Defense attributed the incident to sudden and severe weather changes.

Points of divergence

President Tokayev directly linked the dismissals to 'negligence' and 'professional incompetence' of officers and generals, and ordered a reform plan for the army. — tg_theinsider
The incident occurred in the Mangystau Region, and three people were rescued. — tg_dwglavnoe
The incident occurred during the 'Khazar Korganы — 2016' exercises (incorrect year). — tg_moscowtimes_ru
Aidos Myrzakhmetov received the rank of major general in May 2026. — kommerzant
Dauren Kosanov served as First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff before becoming Minister. — vedomosti

Coverage (18 sources)

President of Kazakhstan criticized the army and fired the defense minister after soldiers died during exercises — BBC News Русская служба
Tokayev fired defense minister after death of 14 military on exercises — The Insider
Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan dismissed after death of 14 military personnel during exercises — DW Главное
Tokayev appointed new head of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense — РИАМО
President of Kazakhstan dismissed defense minister after death of 14 soldiers at exercises — The Moscow Times
Tokayev appointed new defense minister of Kazakhstan — Коммерсантъ
Tokayev relieved Dauren Kosanov from the post of Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan after the death of servicemen during exercises. — ТАСС (Telegram)
In Kazakhstan, the defense minister was removed from office after the death of soldiers on the Caspian — РИАМО
In Kazakhstan appointed a new minister of defense — Ведомости
Tokayev appointed new defense minister of Kazakhstan — Вести
Tokayev appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as new Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan — Вечерняя Москва
Aidos Myrzakmetov appointed head of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense — Интерфакс
President of Kazakhstan dismissed defense minister after 14 military personnel died during exercises — Meduza
Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan relieved of duty after tragedy on the Caspian — Вести
President of Kazakhstan relieved Dauren Kosanov of his position as Minister of Defense — Ведомости
Tokayev fired Kosanov from the post of defense minister after the death of soldiers during exercises — Коммерсантъ
Tokayev relieved the head of the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan from his post — Интерфакс
Tokayev relieved Kosanov from the post of Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan after the death of servicemen during exercises on the Caspian... — РИА Новости (Telegram)

Tokayev fires defense minister after 14 military deaths

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (18 sources)

Key entities

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