Fourteen Kazakhstan servicemen died and three were rescued after being swept out to sea during a military exercise on the Caspian Sea coast on 24/9. The incident occurred in the western Mangistau province when sudden severe weather and strong winds struck during the drill. Initially, authorities in Mangistau province reported 12 fatalities, with search operations underway for two missing servicemen. The Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense later confirmed finding the bodies of the two missing, raising the total death toll to 14.

Search and rescue forces involved in the incident where Kazakhstan soldiers were swept out to sea on 24/9. *Photo: Mangistau provincial administration*

In response to the tragedy, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared 25/9 a day of national mourning. Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov instructed the formation of a government committee to investigate the incident, and the executive agency also opened a criminal case.

Kazakhstan officials stated that the full cause of the tragedy, safety measures implemented during the exercise, and a legal assessment of all circumstances will be clarified once the investigation results are available.

The "Khazar Korgan-2026" naval exercise commenced on 22/9, involving over 500 servicemen from the navy and affiliated units. Personnel and vehicles from the coast guard, part of the Mangistau provincial border service, and Kazakhstan's air defense forces also participated in the drills.

Location of Mangistau province. *Graphic: Al Jazeera*

The Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense stated the primary objective of the exercise was to enhance the professional training of soldiers, strengthen combat readiness, and practice inter-force and equipment coordination in carrying out assigned missions.

By Pham Giang (According to Reuters, Tengri News, Al Jazeera)