Azerbaijan mourns Kazakh servicemen killed in Caspian Sea incident

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences to Kazakhstan following the deaths of nine servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.

According to Caliber.Az, the ministry issued the statement in a post on X.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives during the military exercises of the Navy of Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen servicemen, as well as to the brotherly people and Government of Kazakhstan.

May Allah grant the deceased eternal peace and their families strength and patience during this difficult time.

We hope for the safe rescue of those still missing and wish a speedy recovery to the injured serviceman,” the statement said.

The incident occurred on September 24 in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau Region during exercises conducted by the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. The servicemen were carrying out a training and combat mission along the Caspian Sea coast when a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds swept them out to sea.

According to preliminary information from Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry, 19 servicemen were swept into the sea. Nine have been confirmed dead.

Three servicemen have been rescued, including one who was taken to hospital. Search and rescue operations are continuing for the remaining seven servicemen.

By Tamilla Hasanova