Three Belgian soldiers in hospital after 'shooting incident' in Scotland
Three Belgian soldiers have been taken to hospital and a dozen others were injured in a 'shooting incident' in Scotland.
Emergency services were called to reports of three injured military personnel at RAF Tain, in the Highlands, at around 1.25pm on Monday.
Belgium's defence ministry confirmed two men in 'serious condition' were airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.
A spokesperson said both men have since been stabilised.
One soldier is expected to undergo surgery in Scotland before returning to Belgium.
A third soldier was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and released following treatment for minor injuries.
About 'a dozen' soldiers also suffered hearing damage as a result of the incident.
Police Scotland said enquiries into the incident are 'ongoing'.
A spokesperson for the defence ministry said: 'On May 12, during Exercise Red Condor currently taking place in Scotland, three Belgian soldiers were injured.
'They received first aid on site and were then transferred to a regional hospital. In addition, around a dozen soldiers suffered hearing damage.
'Defence authorities have confirmed that the two soldiers who were seriously injured are now in stable condition.
'They have already been able to speak with their families. One of them will undergo surgery in Scotland before being repatriated to Belgium.
'The third soldier sustained minor injuries and has since returned to the military camp.'
The spokesperson added: 'The families of the injured personnel have been informed.
'The incident took place during a planned training exercise. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances.'
Last week it was reported that around 600 Belgian military personnel were in Moray for exercise Red Condor.
Het spijtige nieuws bereikte mij dat drie militairen van het Derde Bataljon Parachutisten gewond raakten tijdens een oefening in Schotland. Ik wens de getroffenen een spoedig herstel toe. Mijn medeleven aan hun dierbaren. — Bart De Wever (@Bart_DeWever) May 12, 2025
In a post on X, Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever offered his condolences to the injured soldiers and their families.
'I have received the sad news that three soldiers from the Third Parachute Battalion were injured during an exercise in Scotland,' he wrote.
'I wish the injured a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with their loved ones.'
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 1.25pm on Monday, May 12, we were made aware of a report of military personnel being injured during a training exercise at RAF Tain.
'Emergency services attended and two men were taken by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.
'A third man was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and released following treatment for minor injuries.
'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.'
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