Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense reported on September 24 that 19 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during naval exercises in the Mangystau region. The incident is being described as one of the deadliest in the country's military history.

According to the latest information, nine servicemen have been confirmed dead. Three others were rescued, one of whom has been hospitalized. Rescuers continue to search for the remaining military personnel. The Ministry of Defense stated that the incident was caused by a sharp deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds.

The search and rescue operation involves units of the Naval Forces and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation, and other specialized services. A commission of the Ministry of Defense led by Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov has arrived at the scene. Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office announced that a criminal case has been opened into the deaths of the servicemen and an operational-investigative team has been formed.

The naval exercises "Khazar Qorgany-2026" in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea began on September 22. They involved more than 500 servicemen of the Naval Forces, warship crews, coastal units, as well as Coast Guard and air defense forces. The drills were conducted amid geopolitical tensions in the Caspian region.

The incident raises serious questions about the preparedness of Kazakhstan's naval forces and safety measures. While officials say they are awaiting the results of the investigation, such heavy losses during exercises may indicate a failure to comply with safety rules. Weather conditions in the Caspian are known for their volatility, and military planners should have taken this into account.

Source: www.gazeta.uz