British soldier dies in Iraq as MoD confirms tragic accident

A British soldier has died in Iraq following a training accident in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident took place on Sunday.

The cause of the accident is not yet known.

The identity of the soldier is also yet to be released.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

However, the soldier's family has been informed and requested a period of grace before officials release further details about the incident.

Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs about the tragic accident in the House of Commons earlier today.

He said: "A training accident occurred in Northern Iraq yesterday for which a service personnel from the British Army has died.

“The family has been informed and asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

"I know the thoughts of the House are with the family.”

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge also expressed his condolences following the statement.

"This is very sad news indeed," the South Suffolk MP said.

The update came shortly after Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney died following an incident at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland.

The 25-year-old was participating in a training exercise at one of the UK's largest army ranges when he tragically died.

However, training tragedies remain relatively rare with the Armed Forces.

The British Army recorded 111 training-based deaths between 2000 and 2025.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy registered 29 deaths and the Royal Air Force recorded a further 26.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman added: “It is with deep regret that we can confirm that a training accident occurred in northern Iraq on Sunday, May 31, 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 sad time.”

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter