Türkiye offers condolences over deaths during military exercise in Kazakhstan

Türkiye on Thursday extended condolences over the loss of lives during a military exercise conducted by Kazakhstan's Naval Forces off the coast of Aktau.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives that occurred today (24 September) during a military exercise conducted by the Naval Forces of Kazakhstan off the coast of Aktau," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We wish Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and extend our condolences to their families and to the people of Kazakhstan," it added.

The exercise was conducted in Kazakhstan's Mangystau region on the Caspian Sea coast.

Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry said 19 servicemen were swept into the sea after weather conditions suddenly deteriorated and winds intensified while they were carrying out a training and combat mission.

Nine servicemen were killed and three were rescued, while search and rescue operations continued for seven others, according to the ministry.

Relevant units were dispatched to the area to assist in the search efforts.