Two Romanian militaries, members of the Naval Forces` Group for Special Operations, died in the evening of September 22, following the deflagration of an improvised explosive device, while executing a combat mission in the Eastern Afghanistan.

After the deflagration, the two militaries were seriously injured and were taken to Baghram military hospital by a MEDEVAC helicopter, where they died in spite of all the efforts made by the medical team.

Warrant Officer IIIrd Class Vasile Claudiu Popa, aged 28, was married and it was his second mission in Afghanistan, being a MoND employee since 2006. He was awarded the General Staff`s Emblem of Honor, Article V NATO Medal and the Naval Forces’ Emblem of Honor.

Sergeant 1st Class Adrian Postelnicu, aged 34, was in his first mission in Afghanistan and was a MoND employee since 2009. He was decorated with the Naval Forces` Emblem of Honor.

The Romanian militaries from the Special Operation Forces act in ISAF, in the Eastern Afghanistan.

The Ministry of National Defence Leadership sends its deepest sympathy to the mourning families.

MoND Press Office