Romanian soldier killed in action in Afghanistan

The Ministry of National Defence announced that on Thursday, 5 May, at about 13.30, corporal Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru, from the ‘Neagoe Basarab’ 26th Infantry Battalion, was killed in action in the province of Zabul, Afghanistan.

According to the statement issued by the MoND, the Romanian soldier was killed during a patrol mission in Afghanistan on the A1 motorway.

Following an improvised explosive device attack, the corporal was seriously wounded, being immediately taken to the Lagman Base military hospital for medical treatment.

Despite the efforts the medical staff made to save his life, corporal Lixandru died.

The soldier, aged 30, was married and had no children.

Gabriel Oprea, the National Defence Minister signed the order to award posthumously corporal Constantin- Laurentiu Lixandru, who sacrificed his life for his country, the rank of second lieutenant.

The Minister of National Defence submitted to the President of Romania the proposal of rise posthumously second lieutenant Constantin- Laurentiu Lixandru with the National Order ‘Star of Romania’ to rank of Knight, for soldiers, with the war mark.

Friday, 6 May, at 08.00, in all the military units in the country and the ones deployed outside the country, military and religious services will be organized as a sign of gratitude, appreciation and full respect for the hero Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru.

Romania’s President sends a message of condolences

On Thursday President Traian Băsescu sent a message of condolences to the family of soldier Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru, who was killed during a patrol mission in Afghanistan.

According to a press release issued by the Presidential Administration, the head of state received the news of corporal Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru’ death, "with a great sense of loss".

Moreover, the President also said that "in these moments of pain, I present my respects to the family, put to hard trial, and to the colleagues of the hero killed in action, and at the same time, I express my admiration for the courage and commitment corporal Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru showed while serving peace and security."

The number of Romanian soldiers killed in Afghanistan increased to 18, corporal Lawrence Constantin-Laurentiu Lixandru being one of them.

Also, since Romania sent troops to Afghanistan, the number of Romanian military wounded soldiers has increased tot 50.

Translated by: Denisse-Meda Bucura
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University