Gambiaj.com – (BULA, Guinea-Bissau) – A tragic grenade explosion at the São Vicente military barracks in the Bula sector, Cacheu region, has claimed the lives of two soldiers and left several others injured. The incident occurred during an intensive combat preparation exercise on Thursday, as soldiers from various units were undergoing training ahead of a scheduled deployment to Turkey for further military education.

According to a family member of one of the victims who spoke to O Democrata, the soldier’s brother succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital in Bissau, where he had been receiving treatment. The family source revealed that another soldier lost his life at the scene of the explosion, while one of the injured reportedly lost an arm. At least three others sustained minor injuries.

The soldiers involved were members of the Para-Commands unit, an elite formation within the Guinean Armed Forces. They were reportedly preparing to join a newly established special unit tasked with peacekeeping missions abroad.

“Our brother belonged to the Para-Commands unit. We were told that the grenade exploded during their morning combat training session. One soldier died instantly, while others, including my brother, were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, my brother did not survive,” the grieving family member shared.

The bereaved family reported that they have not yet been granted access to their loved one’s remains and are awaiting clearance for the release of the body.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Guinean Armed Forces were unsuccessful. The head of the General Staff Communication Office declined to comment, stating that they were awaiting instructions from the Office of the Chief of the General Staff.

The São Vicente barracks has been the center of heightened military activity as personnel undergo rigorous preparation. The tragedy has cast a shadow over these efforts, raising questions about safety protocols during training exercises.

This incident underscores the dangers faced by military personnel even outside of active combat. As the nation mourns the loss of its soldiers, the military’s handling of the incident and the welfare of injured personnel remain under close scrutiny.