Shavkat Mirziyoyev has expressed condolences to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan over the deaths of servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.
The Uzbek leader wished strength and fortitude to the families and loved ones of those killed.
On September 24, Kazakhstan's Naval Forces were holding exercises in Mangystau province. While carrying out a combat-readiness assignment on the Caspian coast, 19 servicemen were swept out to sea after weather conditions deteriorated sharply and strong winds picked up.
Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry initially reported that nine servicemen had died and three had been rescued. According to the latest information, the death toll has since risen to 12.
According to Akorda, the Kazakh president's press service, President Tokayev has declared September 25, 2026, a national day of mourning for the servicemen who died in the line of duty.
