The Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary John Healey have confirmed that a tragic death of a member of the British Army has occurred during a training exercise in Iraq
A member of the British Army has tragically died in Iraq on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The MoD have said it is with “deep regret” that they announced the news that the service person lost their life while they were participating in a training exercise. The statement said the service person’s death was an accident during the training in Iran.
Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons of the tragic death and read out the statement published by the MoD.
Mr Healey said the family have been informed and have “asked for a period of grace before further details are released”.
In a statement, the MoD said: “It is with deep regret that we can confirm that a training accident occurred in northern Iraq on Sunday 31 May 2026 in which a service person from the British Army died.
“The service person’s family have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends at this time.”
The tragic news comes months after a member of the British armed forces sadly lost their lives in Ukraine.
A member of the UK armed forces was killed in a “tragic accident” whilst observing the testing of new defensive capability in Ukraine last year.
The incident happened on Tuesday morning (December 9) when the member of the armed forces was watching his Ukrainian counterparts test the new defensive capability away from the front lines.
At the time, The MoD confirmed the news with a statement posted on their official X account.
The statement said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also sent his “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family of a member of the UK armed forces who was killed in Ukraine. At the time he said:: “Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Starmer said on social media site X: “My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
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