Kazakhstan to hold national day of mourning on September 25

September 24, 2026 at 07:14 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan will observe a national day of mourning on September 25, 2026, following the deaths of military personnel during a training exercise in the Mangystau region. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a government commission to investigate the incident and provide assistance to the families of the victims. The tragedy occurred as severe weather and strong winds swept servicemen into the Caspian Sea.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan will hold a national day of mourning on September 25, 2026, by presidential decree.
The incident occurred during a naval exercise of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea coast in the Mangystau region.
Preliminary reports indicate that 19 servicemen were swept away by the sea due to sudden worsening weather and strengthening wind.
A criminal case has been opened and an investigation launched into the deaths of the servicemen.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered the creation of a government commission to investigate the causes of the servicemen's deaths during the military exercises.

Mourning Declaration

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree declaring September 25, 2026, a national day of mourning in Kazakhstan. The decree was issued in connection with the deaths of military personnel while performing their duties in the Mangystau region. The President also expressed condolences to the families of the servicemen who died in Mangystau.

The Incident

The tragedy occurred during a training exercise of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea coast in the Mangystau region. Preliminary information indicates that 19 servicemen were swept away by the sea due to a sharp deterioration in weather and strengthening wind. A criminal case has been opened and an investigation has begun into the deaths of the servicemen.

Government Response

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered the creation of a government commission to investigate the causes of the servicemen's deaths during the military exercises in the Mangystau region. President Tokayev instructed the government commission to take necessary measures to determine the circumstances of the incident and provide assistance to the families of the deceased.