Dutch soldier, 21, dies in multinational military exercise in Germany
A 21-year-old Dutch soldier died overnight during a large-scale military training exercise in Germany, the Dutch Ministry of Defense said Thursday. The death appears to be accidental, though the cause is still under investigation, RTL reports.
The incident occurred during Bastion Lion, a multinational exercise involving Dutch, German and Belgian forces in Guz Altmark, Germany. The training has been suspended until further notice.
German police are leading the investigation, supported by the Dutch Royal Military Police. The Defense Safety Inspectorate in the Netherlands has also launched a preliminary safety review.
The soldier was part of the 13th Light Brigade, based in Oirschot. The unit’s commander, Brig. Gen. Gert-Jan Kooij, said the death had a deep impact.
“This hits us all deeply. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” Kooij said. “Right now, it is important to be there for one another and provide the best possible support.”
The incident comes amid broader concerns over the safety of NATO exercises. On the same day, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that four American soldiers were killed in a separate training incident in Lithuania.
