Tomasz Murkowski
- Jun 1, 2017
- 1 min read
Updated: May 26, 2022
Poland
Polish Army Sergeant, 13 Pulk Przeciwlotniczy, 13th Anti-aircraft Reg,
16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division 11/10/2006, Al Kut, Iraq
One Polish and one Slovak soldier were killed by a roadside bomb in south-central Iraq late on Friday, Polish officials said on Saturday. The bomb exploded near the town of Al Kut in Wasit province as a multinational convoy was returning to base, PAP news agency quoted a military spokesman as saying. Polish troops are leading a stabilization mission in that part of Iraq. A Polish soldier, Sergeant Tomasz Murkowski, and a Slovak Sergeant Rastislav Neplech, were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling was blown up by a roadside bomb Lt-Col Dariusz Kacperczyk said.
Another Polish soldier and an Armenian soldier were wounded in the attack and rushed to hospital by helicopter. Kacperczyk said they were in stable condition but gave no details. Polish President Lech Kaczynski said the casualties would strengthen Poland’s resolve to help its western allies police the world’s trouble spots.
Murkowski’s death brings the number of Poles killed so far in Iraq to 22.
This report is a sobering reminder of the human cost of military missions and peacekeeping efforts. I feel deep sympathy for the families and comrades of the soldiers who lost their lives. The injuries to others underscore how dangerous even routine movements can be in conflict zones. Reading such news makes me appreciate the contrast between real-world tragedy and the harmless competition of games like Basket Random. I hope that remembering these sacrifices encourages greater commitment to peace and the protection of those who serve.