Kazakhstan Defense Ministry says viral video of minister predates Caspian Sea tragedy

September 25, 2026 at 04:53 PM2 min

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

Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry said a viral video of Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov circulating on social media was recorded in November 2025 and is unrelated to the September 24 Caspian Sea incident that killed 14 servicemen. The ministry urged users not to manipulate archival footage or link it to the tragedy. Kosanov separately expressed condolences to the families of the dead and said those responsible would be punished.

Key Facts

The video of Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov was recorded in November 2025 in the corridors of the Senate of Parliament, according to Tengrinews.
On September 24, 17 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during a training mission due to sudden severe weather and gusty winds; 14 died and 3 were rescued.
The Defense Ministry said the video has no connection to the tragedy and urged social media users not to manipulate archival footage.
Defense Minister Kosanov expressed condolences to the families of the dead and stated that those responsible would be punished to the full extent of the law.

Ministry Response

The Ministry of Defense issued a statement after the video resurfaced on social media following the deaths of servicemen in Mangystau region. The ministry said the footage was made last year and has no relation to the current tragedy or the deaths of servicemen during combat training tasks on the Caspian Sea. It called on social media users not to manipulate archival video materials, not to take them out of context, and not to link them to the tragedy. The ministry asked for responsibility in spreading information and respect for the relatives of the deceased servicemen on the day of national mourning.

Caspian Sea Incident

On September 24, during a combat training task, 17 servicemen were carried into the Caspian Sea due to a sudden and sharp deterioration in weather conditions and gusty wind. Fourteen of the servicemen died and three were rescued. The incident occurred in Mangystau region, according to Tengrinews.

Minister's Condolences

Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased servicemen. He stressed that the guilty persons would be punished to the full extent of the law. Kosanov said the ministry is constantly in contact with the families of the dead and is providing them with all necessary assistance and support. All circumstances and causes of the incident are being established, and those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law.