A soldier from the British Army has tragically lost his life in a training accident in the northern region of Iraq. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday, May 30, and the soldier’s family has been notified. The MoD has requested a grace period before releasing further details, expressing their condolences and sympathy for the family and friends affected.
Defence Secretary John Healey informed the House of Commons about the soldier’s death on Monday, extending thoughts and support to the family and unit during this sorrowful time. Some British troops are still stationed in Iraq as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution to the global coalition fighting against the resurgence of the Islamic State group in the area.
This incident follows the death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, earlier this year on January 25, in an accident at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, which is among the largest army training facilities in the UK. Captain Muldowney, a fire support commander within the 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, joined the British Army in January 2020 and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December 2020 after completing training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
An initial inquest revealed that Captain Muldowney sustained a gunshot wound in an incident believed to have entered through his back and exited through his left shoulder. The inquest has been adjourned pending investigations by Northumbria Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Defence Safety Authority.
The MoD praised Captain Muldowney as an “immensely enthusiastic officer who inspired those around him with his vibrant approach to life.”