Blast Causes Romanian Fatality In Afghanistan

According to a press release issued by the Ministry, one soldier from the 300th Infantry Battalion "Sfantul Andrei," detached to Afghanistan, was killed, and another one injured Thursday afternoon, north of Qalat.

Private first class Ionut Cosmin Sandu died, and corporal Silviu Atanasiu was injured in the left leg, when their Humvee ran over an improvised explosive device.

When the blast occurred, the soldiers were carrying out a patrol mission in the Zabul province.

According to standard operation procedures in such situations, the perimeter was immediately secured, and the injured soldier was evacuated to the hospital in Langman base, where he is receiving specialized medical assistance.

Private first class Ionut Cosmin Sandu, aged 29, was survived by his wife and two children.

Both soldiers are registered with the 300th Infantry Battalion "Sfantul Andrei" from eastern Romanian county Galati, and they were on their second mission in Afghanistan.

The circumstances for the event are under investigation by a commission run by the battalion commander.

The Ministry of Defense expresses its deep regret for this tragic event and conveys deep condolences to the grieving families.