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Concerns over unidentified drones crossing Kazakhstan's western borders have prompted an explanation from the Director of the Border Guard Service, Yerlan Aldazhumanov. He clarified that while ground patrols are crucial for border security, they have limitations when it comes to detecting high-altitude aerial vehicles.

Ground Patrols vs. High-Altitude Drones

Speaking to journalists, Aldazhumanov emphasized the distinction between ground and air border defense. "You need to clearly understand that border guards serving on the ground cannot see drones flying very high. Frankly, they don't see them at all," he stated.

Airspace Security Responsibilities

According to the Deputy Chairman of the National Security Committee, the responsibility for protecting the state border in the air falls under the Ministry of Defense and the Air Defense Forces. "Protecting the state border in the air is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, the Air Defense Forces. Therefore, I think it is correct to direct this question to them," Aldazhumanov explained.

He further noted that if border guards do visually identify any drones, the information is promptly relayed to the Air Defense Forces for action.

Previous Reports and Investigations

This clarification follows earlier reports on social media about unidentified flying objects appearing over border posts in the West Kazakhstan region. At the time, the Ministry of Defense stated that no violations of Kazakhstan's airspace had been registered and that the situation was under control by relevant services.

In May, Deputy Minister of Defense Darkhan Akhmediyev mentioned that the origin of previously discovered drones within Kazakhstan's territory remained undetermined. An interdepartmental group, including the Ministry of Defense, was reportedly investigating the matter.

Earlier in April, objects resembling fragments of unmanned aerial vehicles were found near a village in the Akzhayyk district of the West Kazakhstan region. Police confirmed at the time that the objects were discovered outside populated areas and that specialists were investigating the situation.