Kazakhstan has detained five senior military officials following the deaths of 14 servicemen who were swept into the Caspian Sea during military exercises, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.

The incident occurred on September 24 near the city of Aktau, where servicemen were reportedly disembarking from a military boat amid unfavorable weather conditions. Seventeen personnel were swept into the sea, three of whom were rescued, while the remaining 14 died.

Investigation Into Military Exercise

The detained officials include the chief of staff and first deputy commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, two military unit commanders, and the commanders of a marine infantry company and the boat involved in the incident.

Authorities have designated all five as suspects in a criminal investigation involving alleged negligence in the performance of their duties and violations of navigation rules. They have been placed in temporary detention in Aktau.

Investigators are examining whether safety procedures were followed, how weather conditions were assessed, the technical condition of the boat and decisions made during the military exercise.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a national day of mourning on September 25. A government commission has also been established to investigate the tragedy and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the detained officials’ legal responsibility will be determined through the relevant judicial process.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm0reew1591zo