Four Italian Soldiers Injured in Friendly Fire Incident During NATO Exercise in Latvia
Four Italian soldiers sustained injuries late Friday afternoon on September 25, 2026, during a live-fire training exercise at the Ādaži military base in Latvia when rounds from a mounted non-automatic weapon struck their armored vehicle. The injured personnel belong to the 11th Bersaglieri Regiment, an infantry unit deployed to the Baltic nation as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces mission.
Friendly Fire Incident Injures Four Italian Troops in Latvia
Tactical Maneuvers Outside Riga Turn Critical
The tactical maneuvers took place outside Riga at the Ādaži training installation. Initial accounts from defense authorities indicate that four service members were positioned inside a military transport vehicle when multiple rounds hit their carriage. The gunfire originated from a non-automated weapon installed on a second Italian armored vehicle participating in the same exercise.
Military officials immediately halted the activity to secure the range. Personnel on site administered first aid before arranging an emergency medical evacuation. The four wounded soldiers were transported to a hospital facility in Riga for detailed medical examinations and urgent care.
Hospitalization and Defense Leadership Briefings
The Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Friday evening that none of the four soldiers face life-threatening conditions. However, the condition of one soldier is assessed as serious and requires intensive monitoring, while the remaining three personnel sustained less critical injuries. The families of all four service members were notified shortly after their arrival at the hospital.
Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto has been kept regularly informed about the health status of the servicemen and the progress of the investigation. Updates are provided directly by Chief of Defense General Luciano Portolano and Commander of the Joint Operations Command (COVI) Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci. The ministry stated that the military leadership and fellow servicemen stand in support of the injured personnel and their families.
Formal Inquiry Examines Safety Protocols
Defense authorities have initiated a formal inquiry to establish the precise sequence of events and determine why the weapon discharged toward a friendly unit. Technical experts are examining the non-automated firing system, vehicle positioning, and operational safety procedures.
According to military oversight details, the technical checks focus on adherence to safety protocols, radio communications, and whether the expected separation line between the firing sector and the hit vehicle was breached. Authorities have firmly excluded any involvement of foreign forces, external attacks, or combat situations, confirming the event occurred strictly within internal training maneuvers.