Nine military personnel killed in Kazakhstan naval exercise incident

At least nine military personnel have died during a naval exercise in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan after being swept out to sea in the Caspian. The incident occurred on September 24, 2026, when sudden and severe weather conditions, characterized by high winds, impacted the training mission. According to the Ministry of Defense, 19 personnel were initially swept away by the currents. Three individuals have been successfully rescued, while search and rescue operations are currently underway for the remaining seven personnel still reported missing.

The military exercise, designated as 'Caspian Defense 2026,' involved units from the Kazakhstan Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force. Following the tragedy, Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov traveled to the city of Aktau to coordinate the ongoing rescue efforts and investigation. Furthermore, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has mandated the formation of a government commission to determine the precise circumstances of the accident and to ensure that necessary assistance is provided to the victims' families. The Prosecutor General's Office has also launched an official investigation into the incident.