Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has removed Dauren Kosanov from his position as the country's Defense Minister. This decision, announced by the presidential press service, follows a tragic incident during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea where 14 Kazakh servicemen lost their lives. The dismissal occurred just days after the deadly drill, which took place on September 24, 2026.
Kosanov was initially appointed as the head of the Defense Ministry in 2025 and had been reappointed to the post by President Tokayev in September 2026. The incident saw 17 servicemen swept into the Caspian Sea, with only three being rescued. Search and rescue operations continued until the bodies of the last two deceased servicemen were recovered.
In response to the tragedy, President Tokayev declared September 25, 2026, a national day of mourning. A special commission has been established, and its head has promised to ensure fair distribution of funds to the families of the fallen servicemen. This marks a significant event for Kazakhstan's military leadership and highlights the serious consequences of the recent naval exercise.
