ĀDAŽI, Latvia — Four Italian soldiers serving with NATO’s Forward Land Forces mission in Latvia were injured following an accidental friendly fire incident during a live-fire exercise at the Ādaži military training area.
The incident occurred during routine tactical maneuvers involving elements of Italy's 11th Bersaglieri Regiment, which makes up part of the multinational NATO contingent stationed on the alliance's eastern flank. According to preliminary reports from defense officials, a burst from a 7.62mm mounted machine gun was accidentally discharged from a Dardo infantry fighting vehicle. The fire struck another Dardo vehicle traveling directly ahead, whose rear hatch was open as troops prepared to dismount.
Medical personnel on site responded immediately to stabilize the injured service members before transferring them to a hospital in Riga for emergency treatment and clinical evaluations. Authorities confirmed that none of the soldiers suffered life-threatening injuries, though one remains under close observation in serious but stable condition. The other three soldiers sustained minor injuries and have already contacted their families.
Italy’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that a formal technical investigation has been launched to establish the precise cause of the misfire, focusing on safety compliance, operational communications, and equipment mechanics. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed support for the wounded personnel and confirmed that he is receiving regular updates on their recovery and the progress of the inquiry.
The multinational NATO brigade in Latvia, led by Canada, routinely conducts complex joint exercises to maintain combat readiness across diverse international units. Operational command reaffirmed that strict range safety protocols are enforced during all combined maneuvers, and additional safety briefings are being conducted across participating units while joint investigations alongside Latvian military police proceed.
Despite the temporary suspension of specific live-fire drills involving heavy armored vehicles, overall deployment activities for NATO’s battle group on the eastern flank remain active. Allied leadership emphasized that transparent safety reviews following training mishaps are standard practice to refine operational procedures and prevent similar incidents during future multinational field exercises.
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