International
Nine soldiers dead, seven missing after Kazakhstan naval exercise accident
Kazakhstan authorities said that nine soldiers are confirmed dead and three others were rescued after they were swept out to sea during naval exercises off the coast of the Mangystau region, while a search is underway for seven missing personnel.
The incident occurred during military exercises in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea, where naval ships, boats, hydrographic vessels and border service ships were taking part, according to Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry.
The exercises, called “Khazar Qorgany-2026”, involved joint manoeuvres and search-and-rescue operations and drills to counter air and underwater threats, the ministry said.
It was not immediately clear in what circumstances the soldiers were swept into the sea. Rescue teams are working to find the seven missing personnel. The exercises were part of Kazakhstan’s naval training and included aviation from the country’s air defence forces.