At least 12 servicemen have died during naval exercises of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the country's Ministry of Defense. According to the agency, weather conditions sharply deteriorated during the exercises in the Mangistau region. Due to strong winds and a storm, 17 servicemen were swept into the sea. Three servicemen were rescued. One of them was hospitalized. Authorities confirmed the death of 12 individuals. Search efforts for the missing are ongoing. The Ministry of Defense has sent a special group to the site of the incident to coordinate search and rescue operations and investigate the circumstances of the tragedy. The General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan has opened a criminal case regarding the deaths of the servicemen. Additionally, a government commission has been established. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and declared Friday a day of national mourning. The naval exercises "Caspian Fortress - 2026" have been taking place in the waters of the Caspian Sea since September 22. More than 500 servicemen are participating. According to authorities, adverse weather conditions have persisted in the area of the exercises for the second day. Strong winds and high waves significantly complicate the search and rescue operation.
