After drill kills 14 marines, Tokayev names Aidos Myrzakhmetov defence minister

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed his defence minister and, according to media in Astana, appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as his replacement after 14 marines died in a Thursday exercise; five officers were placed under arrest.

During the naval exercise off Mangistau on the Caspian Sea, weather unexpectedly deteriorated and 17 soldiers were swept out to sea; only three were rescued. Tokayev said commanders at every level must make their soldiers’ lives and health a priority.