13-05-2025
Belgian soldiers involved in Kinloss military exercise injured in shooting incident
Three Belgian soldiers who have been part of a military training exercise based at Kinloss were injured in a shooting incident.
The three soldiers are believed to be in a stable condition, with one awaiting surgery in Scotland before returning to Belgium.
A further 10 soldiers also sustained hearing damage as a result of the incident, according to the Belgian defence minister.
The location of the incident has not been confirmed, but last week, The Press and Journal reported that the Belgian Army is taking part in a large-scale operation in Moray.
The exercise, named Red Condor, involved around 600 soldiers. The operation also meant a fleet of large vehicles and helicopters could be seen in the north-east.
It has been widely reported that a spokesman for Belgium's defence ministry said: 'The incident took place during a planned training exercise. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances.'
'The families of the injured personnel have been informed.'
The Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever posted on X that he had been informed that three members of the Third Parachute Battalion had been injured.
He wished them a speedy recovery and offered his condolences to their loved ones.
Kinloss Barracks in Moray are hosting helicopters from the Belgian Armed Forces and are expected to stay at the base until May 20.
During this period, it is expected that they will be involved in night flying.
The base said that this could cause a 'slight disruption' to locals.
Read more: Locals warned as Belgian military copters to take to Moray skies – here's when you can spot them
