Kazakhstan Detains 5 Defense Officials After 14 Soldiers Die in Naval Training Accident

Kazakhstani authorities on Friday detained five officials from the Ministry of Defense, including the First Deputy Commander of the Navy. This action follows the drowning of fourteen soldiers who were swept out to sea by waves during a naval exercise that occurred a day earlier. The Ministry of Defense had announced on Thursday the deaths of the fourteen personnel after they were carried out to sea during the drills. In a statement, the ministry reported that the tragic incident took place in the Mangystau region of western Kazakhstan, which borders the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25th a day of national mourning, expressing his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.