Kazakh President Expresses Condolences Over Deaths of Servicemen in Mangystau

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has expressed deep condolences to the families and relatives of servicemen who died during military exercises in the Mangystau region.

According to the Akorda press service, the President instructed the authorities to take all necessary measures to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and provide assistance to the bereaved families.

The incident occurred on September 24 during naval exercises in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. Preliminary information indicated that 19 servicemen were swept into the sea after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and strong winds developed during a combat training mission. Nine servicemen were initially confirmed dead, while three were rescued, one of whom was hospitalised.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered the establishment of a government commission to investigate the incident. The commission includes senior officials from the Defence Ministry, Mangystau regional administration and several other government agencies, as well as the Chief Military Prosecutor and representatives of the Border Service.

The commission has been tasked with determining the circumstances of the incident, coordinating the response of government and emergency services, and ensuring assistance to the families of the victims.

A national day of mourning was subsequently declared in Kazakhstan for September 25 in connection with the deaths of the servicemen.