Authorities in Kazakhstan have reportedly arrested the former Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces, Kanat Niyazbekov, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the deaths of military personnel during training exercises in the Caspian Sea.

According to statements from the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs, the former top military official was detained on allegations of negligence regarding his official duties and placed in a temporary detention facility. A local court later formally sanctioned his arrest while the pre-trial investigation remains ongoing.

The tragedy unfolded on September 24 during a scheduled combat training mission. Due to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and severe gales, 17 servicemen were swept out into the Caspian Sea. Out of that number, 14 soldiers—including one native of Karakalpakstan—lost their lives, while only three personnel were successfully rescued from the water.

In recent developments, reports indicate that all three survivors of the disaster have completed their mandatory military service and returned home to their families. Social media platforms have circulated footage capturing the emotional reunions between the returning soldiers and their relatives.

Source: podrobno.uz