Kazakhstan mourns 14 troops killed during Caspian Sea drill

Fourteen Kazakh troops were killed after 17 soldiers were swept into the Caspian Sea during military drills in the Mangystau region, while three were rescued. Kazakhstan declared September 25 a national day of mourning for the victims.

Kazakhstan witnessed a tragedy during military drills in the Caspian Sea that left 14 troops dead.

The incident occurred on September 24 in the Mangystau region during a combat training mission, when 17 troops were swept into the sea.

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The Kazakh Defense Ministry said the incident occurred after a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and stronger winds in the area.

Rescue teams managed to save three troops, while authorities initially reported that 12 people had died and continued searching for two soldiers who were missing.

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On the morning of September 25, search-and-rescue teams found the bodies of the two missing troops, raising the death toll to 14 and bringing the search-and-rescue operation to an end.

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a national day of mourning for the troops who died in the incident.

The Defense Ministry also announced that the victims’ families would receive the necessary financial and psychological support, while authorities opened an investigation to determine all the circumstances of the incident and assess compliance with safety procedures during the drills.

Messages of condolence and solidarity also came from Türkiye. Justice and Development Party Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu expressed his sorrow and condolences to the Kazakh people, affirming that the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between Türkiye and Kazakhstan would continue during difficult times.