Sayat Isanov has been appointed commander of the Special Operations Forces of Kazakhstan's Armed Forces. The corresponding order was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Akorda reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

About the new commander

Prior to the appointment, Isanov served as deputy commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Previous personnel changes

Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Aidos Myrzakhmetov, who had headed the Special Operations Forces since January 2024, was appointed Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan. He replaced Dauen Kosanov, whom Tokayev dismissed from his post after the tragedy at military exercises in the Mangystau Region.

The tragedy in the Mangystau Region

During the exercises, 17 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea, and 14 of them died. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by a government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. Five officers of the Ministry of Defense were detained in the case. The investigation under articles on negligence and violation of navigation rules is under special control of the Prosecutor General's Office.

Key facts

  • 01Sayat Isanov has been appointed commander of the Special Operations Forces of Kazakhstan's Armed Forces.
  • 02The order was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
  • 03Prior to the appointment, Isanov was deputy commander of the Special Operations Forces with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
  • 04Aidos Myrzakhmetov headed the Special Operations Forces since January 2024, and was later appointed Minister of Defense.
  • 05He replaced Dauen Kosanov, whom Tokayev dismissed after the tragedy at military exercises in the Mangystau Region.
  • 06During the exercises, 17 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea, and 14 of them died.
  • 07The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by a government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.
  • 08Five officers of the Ministry of Defense were detained in the case.
  • 09The investigation under articles on negligence and violation of navigation rules is under special control of the Prosecutor General's Office.