RIGA - Corporal Davis Baltabols, who had severely fallen ill in Afghanistan around three weeks ago, died at the Military Hospital in Koblenz, Germany on August 5, reports news agency LETA. The National Armed Forces (NAF) did not reveal the exact cause of the soldier's health problems and death, but that the disease he contracted in Afghanistan "was not combat related", said Defense Minister Imants Liegis.
Baltabols was serving with the Latvian contingent of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. On July 25 the patrolling Latvian contingent unit encountered a group of local insurgents, which led to a shoot-out. After the clash, Corporal Baltabols was taken to a field hospital to receive emergency medical assistance, and later transferred to the German Armed Forces Hospital in Koblenz.
President Valdis Zatlers and Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis have offered deepest condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the soldier. "Readiness to sacrifice one's own life for the sake of state security and future is the difficult and honorable way of a soldier. Davis Baltabols participated in military missions abroad as a true soldier and a professional, taking care of other people's safety and carrying the name of Latvia abroad. We bow our heads to his bravery and we will always be proud of his love for fatherland," Zatlers said.
NAF spokesman Major Maris Karklins said that an investigation of the case has been launched. Baltabols had served with the NAF since 2003; it was his second international security mission. He had received several military decorations for his service.
Baltabols was married and had a daughter.
