Kazakhstan detains five military commanders over deaths of soldiers in Caspian Sea drills

September 25, 2026 at 01:33 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry detained five senior military commanders on suspicion of negligence over the deaths of soldiers during the Khazar Korgany-2026 exercises. The suspects include the chief of staff of the Navy and two unit commanders. They are held in a temporary detention facility in Aktau.

Key Facts

Five officials from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense were detained in connection with the deaths of servicemen during the Khazar Korgany-2026 exercises.
The detained include the chief of staff of the Navy, two military unit commanders, and commanders of a marine company and a boat.
The incident occurred on September 24 during a landing exercise on the Caspian Sea coast, 43 kilometers from Aktau, when servicemen were swept out to sea from the Kaisar boat in adverse weather.
All five suspects are held in a temporary detention facility of the Aktau police department.

Detentions and Charges

Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry announced the detention of five senior and high-ranking commanders of the Armed Forces. They are suspected of criminal offenses related to negligent attitude to service and violation of navigation rules that led to grave consequences. The suspects include the chief of staff – first deputy commander-in-chief of the Navy, two military unit commanders, and commanders of a marine company and a boat. All five have been placed in a temporary detention facility of the Aktau police department.

The Incident

The military investigative unit of Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry is conducting a pre-trial investigation into the deaths of servicemen during the Khazar Korgany-2026 exercises. Preliminary findings indicate that on September 24, during a landing exercise on the Caspian Sea coast 43 kilometers from Aktau, servicemen were swept out to sea from the Kaisar boat in adverse weather conditions. The investigation is examining decisions made during the organization and conduct of the training mission, compliance with safety requirements, consideration of hydrometeorological conditions, the technical condition of the boat, and the actions of officials responsible for the exercises and personnel safety.