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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov on Sunday after 14 servicemen died during a naval exercise in the Caspian Sea, according to the presidential press service.
"Kosanov Dauren Zhumatyevich has been relieved of his post as defense minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the statement said.
Kosanov was appointed defense minister in 2025 and was reappointed by Tokayev in September.
Seventeen servicemen were swept into the sea during naval exercises in Kazakhstan's Mangystau Region on the Caspian coast on Sept. 24.
Fourteen died, and three were rescued.
Investigators said the servicemen were swept into the water while disembarking from a boat as weather conditions deteriorated.
A criminal case was opened over the incident, and five Defense Ministry personnel were detained, including the navy's chief of staff and first deputy commander-in-chief.
On Sept. 26, Tokayev ordered the creation of a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation at the Defense Ministry following the deaths.
The president's decision to dismiss Kosanov was announced two days after the commission was ordered.
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