Romanian Soldier Killed During Mission In Afghanistan

05.10.2011 By Gavrila Oana

A Romanian soldier was killed Tuesday morning during a mission in Zabul province, in Afghanistan, the Romanian Defense ministry said in a statement.

Corporal Catalin Ionel Marinescu of the 26th infantry battalion "Neagoe Basarab" was severely injured by the explosion of an improvised explosive device, while patrolling the A1 highway. He died in hospital from the sustained injuries.

Marinescu was 28 and was not married. Romanian Defense Minister Gabriel Oprea has signed an order promoting Marinescu post-mortem to the rank of sub-lieutenant.

This is the second Romanian soldier killed in Afghanistan in less than a week.

Romania has about 1,700 troops deployed in Afghanistan under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).