A friendly fire incident during a NATO live-fire exercise in Latvia has left four Italian soldiers injured. The incident occurred on Friday at the Adazi training area, where Italian forces are deployed as part of NATO's military buildup on the bloc's eastern flank. According to Italy's Defense Ministry, a soldier operating a non-automated weapon mounted on a military vehicle accidentally fired on another Italian vehicle carrying four servicemen.
The Italian soldiers, members of the 11th Bersaglieri Regiment, were rushed to a hospital in Riga after the incident. A burst from a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on a Dardo infantry fighting vehicle raked another Dardo traveling directly ahead, apparently while its rear hatch was open. One of the soldiers suffered more serious injuries but was reported in stable condition, while none was believed to be in danger of dying.
Military investigators are examining how the friendly-fire incident occurred. The incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in live-fire exercises. NATO has steadily reinforced its eastern flank and stepped up live-fire drills close to Russia and Belarus, describing the deployments and exercises as "defensive." The growing number of drills has produced a series of serious accidents in the Baltics in recent years.
This is not an isolated incident. In March 2025, four US soldiers were killed when their 70-ton M88 Hercules recovery vehicle sank into a peat bog at Lithuania's Pabrad training ground, less than 10km from Belarus. At the same range in November, a Belgian soldier died from severe injuries sustained during a live-fire exercise. Days later, several Norwegian troops narrowly escaped being shot when live rounds were fired at targets while soldiers were advancing through woodland behind them.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of NATO's live-fire exercises. Moscow has repeatedly accused European NATO members of militarizing the continent and preparing for a potential war with Russia. During the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this month, President Vladimir Putin said Western governments were promoting an imaginary 'Russian threat' in order to distract the public from numerous problems in their home countries.
Around 300 Italian troops are stationed at Camp Adazi as part of NATO's multinational force in Latvia. The Italian Defense Ministry has not released further details about the incident, but an investigation is underway. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and effective communication during live-fire exercises.
The four Italian soldiers injured in the friendly fire incident are receiving medical attention. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in military training exercises. NATO's live-fire drills are intended to demonstrate the bloc's military capabilities, but they also carry a risk of accidents and injuries.
Key points
- Four Italian soldiers were injured in a friendly fire incident during a NATO live-fire exercise in Latvia.
- The incident occurred at the Adazi training area, where Italian forces are deployed as part of NATO's military buildup on the bloc's eastern flank.
- NATO has steadily reinforced its eastern flank and stepped up live-fire drills close to Russia and Belarus, describing the deployments and exercises as "defensive."
