Kazakhstan investigates drowning of four soldiers in training exercise
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakhstan investigates drowning of four soldiers in training exercise, 19 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d048615.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 19, 2015
By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
Authorities in Kazakhstan say that they are investigating the drowning of four Kazakh soldiers during an ill-fated military exercise on the Caspian Sea.
Defense Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov visited the Caspian city of Aqtau on September 19, where an amphibious landing exercise went wrong on September 18.
He reportedly relieved four regional military officials of their duties.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's military prosecutor has opened an investigation into the deaths of the soldiers, who all drowned when four BTR-80 armored personnel carriers sank in rough waters during the attempted amphibious landing.
A Defense Ministry statement said initial findings suggest the drownings were the results of "a poor decision when practicing an amphibious landing in the absence of landing equipment."
Three of the soldiers – identified as Bauyrzhan Zholdabay, Asylzhan Makhambetov, and Bagytzhan Kalybay – were 19 years old.
The fourth soldier who drowned, Amir Adylov, was 23.
With reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
