Romanian soldier killed during mission in Afghanistan

A Romanian soldier from a NATO-led mission was killed and two others wounded in Afghanistan on Friday when a car carrying explosives crashed into their convoy, the Romanian Ministry of Defense (MApN) announced.

The soldiers were traveling in an international convoy in the Kandahar region, the Ministry said in a statement.

Corporal Mădălin Stoica was 41, married and had a baby. He was on his first mission in the theaters of operations and was an employee of the MApN since 2002.

Two other soldiers were injured in the same incident and were evacuated for treatment. They are now in a stable state.

The soldiers involved in this incident are part of the 280th Infantry Battalion Protection of the "Brave Hearts" Force, from Focşani.

Romania participates with 620 soldiers at the NATO Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and with about 300 soldiers at other NATO, EU, UN or OSCE –led operations in other regions.

Corporal Mădălin Stoica is the 29th Romanian soldier who lost his life in foreign missions, where more than 180 Romanian soldiers were injured.

President Klaus Iohannis has signed on Saturday a decree for Mădălin Stoica's posthumous decoration with Romania's Star National Order, in the rank of Knight.

The National Order "The Star of Romania" in Knight Grade was awarded to the Romanian military as a sign of gratitude and appreciation for the gift and courage manifested under the colors of the National Flag, according to the decree signed by the Head of the Romanian State.

US Ambassador to Romania Hans Klemm sent his personal condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Mădălin Stoica, and also wished the other two wounded Romanian soldiers a speedy recovery.The valor of Romania’s soldiers in the NATO mission in Afghanistan continues to demonstrate the highest commitment to defending freedom and democracy - the American diplomat stated.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei