Canadian soldier found dead in Latvia during NATO operation reassurance deployment

A Canadian Armed Forces member has been found dead in Latvia, three days after being reported missing from his NATO deployment.

Warrant Officer George Hohl was located deceased Friday following his disappearance earlier in the week. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the death Saturday, September 6, and said it is cooperating with Latvian authorities investigating the circumstances.

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Investigation underway with no security threat identified

Canadian military officials stated there is no indication the incident poses an increased threat to deployed personnel's safety and security. The investigation remains ongoing with local Latvian authorities taking the lead.

Hohl served nearly 20 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a vehicle technician for a helicopter squadron based in Edmonton. He was deployed on Operation Reassurance as part of the aviation battalion supporting NATO's multinational brigade in Latvia.

Military leadership responds to soldier's death

"The loss of Warrant Officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard," Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said in a statement.

"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."

Operation reassurance continues NATO mission in Latvia

Approximately 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces troops are stationed in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada's largest overseas military mission. Canadian forces have maintained a presence there since 2017 to strengthen defense of Europe's eastern flank and deter Russian aggression against Baltic countries through what military analysts call a "trip wire" strategy.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last month that Canada will extend its Latvia deployment through 2029, maintaining the country's commitment to NATO's collective defense in the Baltic region.