15 Belgian soldiers were injured on Monday during a live-fire exercise in Scotland, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Defence Ministry has not specified the nature of the injuries sustained by three soldiers, while around a dozen others have suffered hearing damage.
Three injured soldiers received initial medical care before being transferred to a local hospital. Among them, two who were seriously injured are now in a stable condition, the Ministry confirmed in the evening.
One of the seriously injured soldiers is expected to undergo surgery in Scotland before being repatriated to Belgium, as stated in a press release issued at around 22:30. The families of the injured soldiers have been informed.
The Red Condor exercise is part of the operational preparation of the 3rd Parachute Battalion and aims to certify them as a 'Special Operations Land Task Group' (SOLTG). An investigation has been launched to shed light on the exact circumstances of the incident, which occurred during a planned exercise.
"They were in training, and something went wrong," Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) stated on X. "We do everything to train and protect our personnel as best as possible, but sometimes things do not go as planned."
The minister extended his wishes of courage and strength to the soldiers and their families. "We are closely monitoring the situation," he added.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) also extended wishes for a swift recovery to the three injured soldiers of the 3rd Parachute Battalion. "My thoughts are with their loved ones," the Prime Minister said in the evening.
