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Belgian soldiers injured in Scotland shooting incident during training exercise

Belgian soldiers injured in Scotland shooting incident during training exercise

Daily Record12-05-2025

Three people were rushed to hospital after being wounded as Belgium's defence ministry said approximately 10 other soldiers also sustained hearing damage.
Three Belgian soldiers have been injured in a serious accident during a military exercise in the Scottish Highlands on Monday.
The Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, confirmed the incident involved soldiers from the Third Parachute Battalion.

It's understood Belgium's parachute regiments were taking part in large-scale operation called Red Condor in Moray.

Three people were rushed to hospital after being wounded, while Belgium's defence ministry has said approximately 10 other soldiers also sustained hearing damage during the incident.
Belgian publication Sudinfo reported two soldiers have suffered serious injuries while the third suffered minor injuries.
Pictures from the scene on Monday night show Belgian military ambulances at Kinloss Army Barracks.
Mr De Wever posted on X:"The sad news reached me that three soldiers of the Third Parachute Battalion were injured during an exercise in Scotland.
'I wish the victims a speedy recovery. My condolences to their loved ones.'

Defence Minister Theo Francken also confirmed the news on social media, posting a short clip.
He said: "They were on an exercise and something went wrong.
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"We do everything to train, train and protect our personnel as best we can, but sometimes things don't go as planned."
He added the government was "monitoring the situation very closely" and that the families of those who were injured have been informed.
Belgium's Defence Ministry also said: "They received first aid and were then transferred to a local hospital. In addition, a dozen soldiers suffered hearing damage.

"An investigation has been launched to find out the exact circumstances of the incident."
No UK military were involved with the operation.
The range is operated by the UK Ministry of Defence and regularly hosts international troops, including NATO allies.

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