Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Defense Minister Dauran Kosanov. The dismissal follows a tragedy that killed military personnel during exercises in the Caspian Sea, infohub.kz reports.
"By decree of the Head of State, Kosanov Dauran Zhumataevich has been relieved of his post as Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the Akorda said in a statement.
Kosanov had earlier visited the Mangystau Region to meet the families of four conscripts who died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. He offered his condolences and promised them comprehensive support.
The tragedy occurred on September 24 during combat training tasks of the Naval Forces in the Caspian Sea. Due to a storm and sharp gusts of wind, 17 servicemen were swept into the open sea: 14 died, three were rescued. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning.
The causes and circumstances of the emergency are being investigated by a special government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. A criminal case has been opened into negligence and violation of navigation rules over the deaths of the soldiers, and its progress is under the personal supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office. As part of the investigation, more than 30 people have already been questioned, and the circle of suspected officials has been identified.
Later, the bodies of two more servicemen were found in the Caspian Sea.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that five Defense Ministry officials were detained in the case of the deaths of the servicemen. Among the suspects are the first deputy commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan's Naval Forces and the commander of the Kaisar boat, from which the personnel were disembarked.
Yesterday, the head of state created a commission for a comprehensive audit of the state of affairs at the Ministry of Defense. Among other things, it will examine the financial and logistical support of military units.