High-ranking Military Officials Have Been Detained In Kazakhstan

• 26.09.2026, 8:43

Following the deaths of 14 participants in military exercises in the Caspian Sea.

Five military personnel have been detained in Kazakhstan in connection with the deaths of 14 servicemen during exercises in the Caspian Sea. Among them are the first deputy commander-in-chief of the Naval Forces, two unit commanders, a Marine Corps company commander, and a boat commander, reported by the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

All five detainees have been placed in a temporary detention facility in Aktau. They are suspected of negligence in the performance of their duties and of violating navigation rules, which led to serious consequences.

The investigation is being conducted by the military investigative unit of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Investigators are examining how decisions were made during the preparation and conduct of the exercises, whether weather conditions were taken into account, the condition of the boat, and whether safety requirements were followed.

As a reminder, the tragedy occurred on September 24 during exercises off the coast of the Caspian Sea, approximately 43 kilometers from Aktau. As personnel were disembarking from the “Kaisar” boat, the soldiers were swept out to sea due to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds.

A total of 17 service members were swept out to sea. Three were rescued, and 14 died. On the morning of September 25, the bodies of the last two missing personnel were found, after which the search operation was concluded.

Authorities are also investigating how effectively the rescue operation was organized. They promise to evaluate the actions of all suspects as part of a criminal investigation.

On September 25, Kazakhstan declared a national day of mourning for the fallen servicemen.