A British Army member has tragically passed away due to a training incident in the northern region of Iraq, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The incident occurred on Sunday, May 30, and the soldier’s family has been notified. The MoD has asked for a period of privacy before disclosing further details, expressing condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
Defence Secretary John Healey shared the news of the soldier’s death in the House of Commons the following day, offering sympathy to the family and unit during this difficult time. Despite this loss, British personnel continue to be stationed in Iraq as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s commitment to the international coalition fighting against the reemergence of the Islamic State group in the area.
This incident follows the death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, earlier in the year at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, a key army training site in the UK. Captain Muldowney, hailing from Co Roscommon, served as a fire support commander within the 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery. He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December 2020 after completing his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
An inquest revealed that Captain Muldowney suffered a gunshot wound during an incident, prompting further investigations by Northumbria Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Defence Safety Authority. Following his passing, the MoD described Captain Muldowney as a dedicated officer who brought enthusiasm and inspiration to those around him.