Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov as the country’s new defense minister.

Axar.az reports, citing The Astana Times, that Myrzakhmetov was relieved of his previous position as commander of Kazakhstan’s Special Operations Forces following the appointment.

Myrzakhmetov graduated from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan in 2002 and has commanded the Special Operations Forces since January 2024. He previously headed a department of the State Security Service.

Tokayev awarded Myrzakhmetov the rank of major general in May.

The appointment follows the dismissal of Dauren Kossanov as defense minister, days after 14 servicemen died during naval exercises in the Mangystau region on September 24.

A pre-trial investigation into the deaths is underway. Tokayev also established a commission on September 26 to conduct a comprehensive review of the Defense Ministry.