A government commission has been set up in Kazakhstan to investigate the causes of the deaths of servicemen during exercises in the Mangystau Region. It is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, who has been instructed to arrive at the scene of the incident immediately.
WHO IS ON THE COMMISSION
According to the Government's press service, the commission was set up by order of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Its members include Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov, Akim of the Mangystau Region Nurdaulet Kilybay, the Chief Military Prosecutor, representatives of the Border Service of the National Security Committee (BS NSC), as well as heads of the ministries of labour and social protection of the population, emergency situations, health and transport.
Kanat Bozumbayev has been instructed to ensure a thorough investigation into the causes of the deaths of the servicemen and to organise assistance for the families of the deceased.
WHAT IS HAPPENING ON SITE
The search operation continues. According to Ulysmedia.kz, the bodies of 12 servicemen have been recovered from the Caspian Sea. However, this information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Divers are taking part in the search, two helicopters are operating over the water area, and three military vessels are in the sea. Police, rescuers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the BS NSC and servicemen of the Naval Forces are also working on site.
One of the rescued servicemen is in intensive care at the Mangystau Regional Hospital.
HOW AZERBAIJAN REACTED
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan has reacted to the tragedy. The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased servicemen, the people and government of Kazakhstan, and wished the injured person a speedy recovery. The Azerbaijani MFA expressed hope for the rescue of the missing servicemen.
Condolences were also sent by Azerbaijani Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov to Kazakh Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov. The message from the Azerbaijani side speaks of the deaths of nine servicemen, one injured and seven missing.