Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense has issued an official statement amid information circulating on social media about conscript sailors Akhmetov A.A. and Mağauiia Ä.A., reports infohub.kz.
The questions arose from a discrepancy in the number of servicemen swept into the Caspian Sea: initially 19 were reported, then 17. Against this backdrop, social media users began speculating about the fate of the two sailors.
According to the defense ministry's official Telegram channel, during the naval exercises some personnel were on shore carrying out assigned training tasks.
"Conscript sailors Akhmetov A.A. and Mağauiia Ä.A. were part of the group of servicemen performing training tasks on shore. Currently, these servicemen are at their military unit and are serving in accordance with the daily routine," the ministry said.
The Ministry of Defense urged citizens not to spread unverified and false information and to rely on official statements from the ministry.
Recall that on September 24, during a combat training mission, 17 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea due to a sudden and sharp deterioration in weather conditions and gusty winds; 14 of them died. Three were rescued.
After the tragedy, Däuren Qosanov was dismissed from his post as defense minister. Aidos Myrzakhmetov was appointed in his place.