Government commission arrives in Mangystau region after naval drills tragedy
A government commission has arrived in the Mangystau region on the instruction of the President to coordinate the response of local authorities and oversee measures following the emergency that killed at least nine naval servicemen, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing regional administration.
The commission is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and includes the defense minister, the Mangystau regional governor, senior officials from the ministries of labor and social protection, internal affairs, emergency situations, healthcare and transport, as well as the chief military prosecutor and representatives of the border service of the National Security Committee.
"Members of the commission will assess the current situation and determine further measures to address the consequences of the emergency," the regional administration said.
Particular attention will be given to providing assistance to the families of the victims, establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, and coordinating the work of the government agencies and emergency services involved.
Earlier, Qazinform reported that at least nine servicemen were killed during naval exercises on the Caspian Sea. A total of 19 servicemen were swept away following a sudden deterioration in weather conditions during the drill. Three were rescued, with one of them hospitalized.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov decreed the establishment of a government commission to investigate the deaths of servicemen during naval drills in the Mangystau region.
The Prosecutor General's Office has launched a criminal case regarding the deaths of the military personnel. An operational-investigative team, which includes officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Prosecutor's Office, has been established, and the necessary forensic examinations have been ordered. The investigation is under special control.
President expressed his deep condolences to the families of the military personnel who died today during military exercises in the Mangystau region.
The Khazar Qorgany 2026 naval exercises began on September 22 in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea. The drills involved over 500 military personnel, naval ships and boats, hydrographic vessels, Coast Guard units from the National Security Committee Border Service, and Air Defense Forces aviation.
September 25 has been declared a day of national mourning in Kazakhstan.
