Kazakh president dismisses defence minister following deadly Caspian Sea drill

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Dauren Kosanov from his post as the country’s defence minister, the presidential press service announced.

“By decree of the head of state, Dauren Zhumatayevich Kosanov has been relieved of his post as Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the statement said.

The resignation came several days after 14 Kazakh servicemen were killed during exercises in the Caspian Sea.

Kosanov was appointed head of the Defence Ministry in 2025. In September, Tokayev reappointed him to the post.

By Jeyhun Aghazada