Three Belgian soldiers were injured during a shooting incident that occurred amid a planned military training exercise in Scotland, Belgium’s Defence Ministry confirmed on Saturday.
The incident, which took place during a large-scale operation reportedly involving around 600 Belgian military personnel, also left approximately 10 other soldiers suffering from hearing damage.
While the ministry did not specify the exact location, it is believed the incident happened in Moray, northeast Scotland, where the Belgian Armed Forces are currently conducting a multinational training mission known as “Operation Red Condor.”
Two of the three injured soldiers are in stable condition, with one of them expected to undergo surgery in Scotland before being transported back to Belgium for further care. The third soldier, who sustained only minor injuries, has already been discharged from the hospital.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the Belgian 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.”
Further details about the cause of the incident, including whether it involved live ammunition or was the result of a misfire or procedural error, have not been released pending the outcome of the official investigation.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever acknowledged the incident on Saturday through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the three soldiers belonged to the Third Parachute Battalion, an elite airborne infantry unit based in Tielen. He extended his best wishes for their recovery and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
“My thoughts are with the injured members of our armed forces. I wish them a swift and full recovery, and I extend my heartfelt support to their loved ones during this difficult time,” De Wever wrote.
Operation Red Condor is part of ongoing international military cooperation, allowing Belgian forces to train in diverse environments and scenarios alongside NATO partners. Exercises typically include live-fire drills, tactical maneuvers, and simulated combat conditions.
The participation of Belgian troops in such operations is considered essential for maintaining combat readiness and interoperability with allied forces. However, training accidents, though rare, are a known risk in such intensive scenarios.
The Belgian Defence Ministry has stated it will cooperate fully with both internal and, if applicable, British authorities to establish the cause of the incident. Additional safety reviews may be conducted based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
As of Saturday evening, no British personnel have been reported injured, and there has been no immediate comment from the UK Ministry of Defence regarding the incident.
The Third Parachute Battalion has a long-standing history of overseas deployment and participation in peacekeeping and NATO exercises. The unit’s involvement in Operation Red Condor underlines Belgium’s commitment to maintaining strong military capabilities in alignment with its international obligations.
The names of the injured soldiers have not been released to the public in order to respect the privacy of their families. Further updates are expected in the coming days.
