Tokayev blames negligence for deaths of 14 soldiers in Mangystau drills

September 27, 2026 at 06:08 PM2 min

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

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev condemned the deaths of 14 servicemen during military exercises in the Mangystau region, calling them the result of criminal negligence and unprofessionalism. He announced a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Defense led by Deputy Security Council Secretary Aida Balayeva and appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as the new defense minister. The president said the tragedy exposed systemic failures in the army and demanded radical military reform.

Key Facts

14 servicemen died during military exercises in the Mangystau region.
Tokayev appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as the new Minister of Defense.
Deputy Security Council Secretary Aida Balayeva will lead a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Defense.
Tokayev said the servicemen were not provided with necessary equipment, including marine life jackets.

Presidential Condemnation

Tokayev called the deaths the result of criminal unprofessionalism by officers, including generals. He demanded an investigation into who approved the exercises and whether their tasks matched modern threats. The president said long-standing problems in the army are not being solved by leadership year after year, undermining the country's defense capability. He criticized the absence of the Navy Commander-in-Chief at the exercises and said irresponsibility, negligence, and show have become commonplace.

Government Response

Tokayev ordered a government commission to assess the actions of all responsible for the preparation and conduct of the exercises. He announced a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Defense covering service organization, supply, and material and financial support. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, will lead the inspection and identify violations and those to be held accountable. Tokayev emphasized that positions and ranks do not exempt from responsibility and took the issue under personal control.

Military Reform

Tokayev said the tragedy revealed numerous shortcomings and lack of professionalism in the army. He stated that the time has come for radical military reform and called it an urgent task. The president introduced Aidos Myrzakhmetov as the new Minister of Defense, noting he takes office at a difficult time. Tokayev said Myrzakhmetov bears exceptional responsibility and must take the most decisive actions.