Türkiye has expressed condolences to Kazakhstan following the loss of military personnel during a naval exercise off the coast of Aktau in the country's western Mangystau region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Türkiye's Foreign Ministry said it was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the incident, which occurred on Sept. 24 during a military exercise conducted by Kazakhstan's Naval Forces.

“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 ministry said.

The ministry conveyed its condolences to the families of those who died and to the people of Kazakhstan.

“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 incident occurred during a military exercise in the Mangystau region, where rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and strong winds reportedly swept several servicemen into the Caspian Sea.

Kazakh authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation following the incident, while investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. (ILKHA)