A Belgian soldier died as a result of an accident during a NATO exercise in Lithuania. Belgian authorities have opened an investigation.

A Belgian soldier died on Friday during a NATO exercise in Lithuania, having been injured during a mortar activity. The Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, and the Chief of Defense, Frederik Vansina, confirmed the soldier's death, who passed away on Saturday at the hospital. Francken expressed his deep sadness and extended condolences to the soldier's colleagues and friends. The Lithuanian President, Gitanas Nauseda, emphasized the valuable contribution of Belgian troops to the security of the nation and the Alliance. The soldier, part of the Brasschaat Artillery Battalion, was part of the NATO Forward Land Forces mission, which includes nearly 200 Belgian soldiers in Lithuania. The Belgian federal prosecutor's office has opened an investigation, and the Ministry of Defense will conduct an internal investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident.