BAKU, Azerbaijan,
September 27. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev has appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as Minister of Defense
today in Astana.
This was reported by the press service of the Kazakh
president.
Myrzakhmetov graduated from Kazakhstan’s Military Academy in
2002. During his military career, he held various command and
senior positions, including in the State Security Service of
Kazakhstan.
In January 2024, Tokayev appointed Myrzakhmetov commander of the
Special Operations Forces of Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces. In this
position, he was involved in the training of special operations
units and related military activities.
In May 2026, Myrzakhmetov was awarded the military rank of Major
General by presidential decree.
Prior to his appointment as Defense Minister, Myrzakhmetov
served as commander of Kazakhstan’s Special Operations Forces.
Earlier today Tokayev relieved Dauren Kosanov of his post as
Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On September 24, 17 Kazakh servicemen were swept into the
Caspian Sea while carrying out a combat training mission in the
Mangystau Region. Three servicemen were rescued, while 14 died.
Following the incident, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister ordered the
establishment of a government commission to investigate the causes
of the servicemen’s deaths in the Mangystau Region.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared September 25 a national day of
mourning over the tragedy.
