Belgian paratroopers shot during Scottish training exercise
Three Belgian soldiers have been injured in a 'shooting incident' during a training exercise in Scotland, Belgium's defence ministry has said.
The casualties were rushed to hospital after being 'seriously injured' in Monday's gunfire.
Two are now stable, although one is expected to undergo surgery before being able to return home.
The other soldier has already been discharged after only suffering minor injuries.
Around another 12 soldiers suffered hearing damage as a result of the incident which is reported to have taken place during a joint military drill at a training centre near Loch Lomond.
It is believed to have involved a misfire during a live ammunition exercise.
The defence ministry declined to reveal where in Scotland the incident took place.
Last week it was reported that around 600 Belgian armed forces personnel were in Moray for a large-scale operation called Red Condor.
A spokesman 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 families of those injured have been informed, they added.
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.'
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