British Army member dies in Iraq training accident | UK | News

A member of the British Army died in a training accident in Iraq on Sunday, the Ministry of Defense said. British Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that the incident occurred in the north of the country on Sunday.

The identity of the soldier has not been disclosed and it is not yet known how the incident occurred. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Healey said: “A training accident occurred in northern Iraq yesterday in which a British Army service member was killed. The family have been informed and asked for a grace period before further details are released. I know the House’s thoughts are with the family.”

A Ministry of Defense spokesman added: “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 British Army soldier died. The soldier’s family has been informed and requested a period of time before further details are released. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this sad time.”

The incident follows the death of 25-year-old Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney during a training exercise at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland – one of the UK’s largest army training areas – on January 25, prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Raised in County Roscommon, Captain Muldowney served as a fire support commander with 129 (Dragon) Battery, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The promising young officer joined the Army in January 2020 and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery the same year after completing his training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

An inquest in March was told “an incident occurred which resulted in a gunshot wound believed to have entered Gilbert’s back and exited through his left shoulder.”

Following the tragedy, the Department of Defense paid tribute to Captain Muldowney, describing him as “an extremely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a strength that inspired those around him.”