Canadian Soldier Found Dead in Latvia

A Canadian soldier who had been reported missing while deployed in Latvia has been found dead, the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed on Saturday.

Details of the Incident

Warrant Officer George Hohl was discovered deceased on Friday, three days after he was first reported missing. The CAF is currently collaborating with local Latvian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hohl’s death. However, they have stated that there is no immediate threat to the safety and security of other deployed members.

Background of Warrant Officer Hohl

Warrant Officer Hohl had dedicated nearly 20 years of service to the Canadian Armed Forces. He served as a vehicle technician for a helicopter squadron based in Edmonton and was deployed on Operation Reassurance as part of the aviation battalion to NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia.

Condolences from CAF

General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, expressed her condolences in a statement, saying, “The loss of Warrant Officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard. On behalf of the entire Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues. Warrant Officer Hohl will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, and our hearts are with all who knew him during this time of great sorrow.”

Canada’s Presence in Latvia

There are currently around 2,000 CAF troops stationed in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s largest overseas mission. The troops have been deployed since 2017 to bolster the defense of Europe’s eastern flank and to serve as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression in the Baltic countries.

Extension of Mission

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that Canada will be extending its military presence in Latvia through to 2029, solidifying their commitment to the region’s security.