Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
"By decree of the Head of State, Kosanov Dauren Zhumataevich has been relieved of the post of Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the Akorda statement said.
Earlier, Kosanov traveled to the Mangystau region to visit the families of four conscripts who died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. He expressed condolences to the relatives and promised them comprehensive support.
The tragedy occurred on September 24 during combat training tasks of the Naval Forces in the Caspian. Due to a storm and sharp gusts of wind, 17 servicemen were carried into the open sea: 14 people died, three were rescued. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a day of national mourning.
The causes and circumstances of the emergency are being investigated by a special government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. A criminal case has been opened over negligence and violation of navigation rules in connection with the deaths of the soldiers, and its progress is under the personal control of the Prosecutor General's Office. As part of the investigation, more than 30 people have already been questioned and the circle of suspected officials has been identified.
Later, the bodies of two more servicemen were found in the Caspian Sea.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that five officials of the Ministry of Defense were detained in the case of the deaths of servicemen. Among the suspects are the first deputy commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan's naval forces and the commander of the "Kaisar" boat, from which the personnel landing was carried out.
Yesterday, the head of state created a commission for a comprehensive inspection of the state of affairs of the Ministry of Defense. Among other things, it will examine the financial and material-technical support of military units.