Who is responsible for the deaths of 14 servicemen? – Five arrested in Kazakhstan

Five people have been arrested in Kazakhstan as part of a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 servicemen during military exercises held in the Caspian Sea.

TodayPress TV reports that President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has demanded that all those responsible be held accountable and has taken the matter under his personal control.

“The head of state noted that the first personnel decisions have already been made, while emphasizing that all officials found responsible for the deaths of the servicemen must bear the liability established by law. This issue is under the personal control of the President. A pre-trial investigation is ongoing into cases of criminal negligence by the command staff. Five officials have been arrested,” the presidential press service said.

It was reported that the investigation will continue and will not affect the combat readiness of the country’s Armed Forces.

It should be recalled that on September 24, 17 servicemen were swept into the sea during military exercises held on the Caspian Sea coast in Kazakhstan. Fourteen of them died, while three others were rescued. Following the incident, Tokayev ordered an inspection of the Ministry of Defense, replaced the head of the defense agency and the Chief of the General Staff, and dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces.

Aysel Matlab