Kazakhstan widens military probe after 14 die in naval drills

Kazakhstan said Monday it was widening its probe into the military after an investigation into the deaths of 14 soldiers in naval drills last month revealed "systemic problems".

A total of 17 military personnel were swept out to sea during the drills, which took place on the Central Asian country's Caspian coast during poor weather conditions, according to Kazakhstan's defence ministry.

Only three were rescued, officials said.

In a statement, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's press service said the incident in September pointed to a "lack of proper oversight" by military leaders and called for those responsible to be punished.

"Following the first stage of the inspection, criminal prosecutors have opened 13 criminal cases into potential theft of state property, abuse of office, and other violations within defence ministry organisations and units," the statement said.

Tokayev last month dismissed his defence minister following the incident, while police announced they had arrested five military officials on suspicion of criminal negligence.