Kazakhstan's Defense Minister dismissed: decision made after 14 military personnel killed
Previously, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had ordered the creation of a special commission to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the state of affairs in the Ministry of Defense.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Dauren Kosanov from the post of Minister of Defense. The corresponding decree was signed by the head of state.
Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov had been heading the Ministry of Defense since June 8, 2025.
The personnel decision was made several days after 14 servicemen died during military exercises held in the Mangystau Region. The tragedy occurred during training exercises of the Naval Forces of Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea.
Earlier, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the creation of a special commission to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the state of affairs in the Ministry of Defense. The commission was tasked, in particular, with inspecting the financial and logistical support of military units.
The commission will include representatives of the Security Council and the Supreme Audit Chamber.
The official statement on Kosanov's dismissal did not indicate the reasons for the decision. The decree enters into force on the day of its signing.
