The Ministry of Defence reported on Monday that the serious medical condition affecting a 17-year-old National Guard soldier remains unclear following his transfer to a specialized center in France.
Andreas Stylianou, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that officials are awaiting an official medical diagnosis before providing further details. The soldier became ill after a morning physical training session on Friday, according to Stylianou. He emphasized that the time of day, between 08:20 and 08:30, did not indicate unusually high temperatures.
Stylianou explained that the soldier was promptly seen by the unit’s doctor and then transferred to the General Hospital when his discomfort worsened. Subsequently, due to his deteriorating condition, he was further transferred to France.
“Despite the transfer, an official medical diagnosis has not yet been determined,” Stylianou reiterated when pressed for additional information.
Stylianou noted that the Ministry has issued heat-related precautions for deployed troops and trainees. He acknowledged the challenges faced by new recruits in unfamiliar conditions and emphasized the National Guard’s commitment to safeguarding young soldiers.
As of now, the exact cause of the soldier’s illness, including the possibility of heatstroke, remains unknown based on available official information.
