A member of the Canadian Armed Forces who was reported missing while on duty in Latvia has been tragically discovered deceased, the military confirmed on Saturday. Warrant Officer George Hohl’s body was found on Friday after a three-day search.
The Canadian Armed Forces disclosed that they are collaborating with Latvian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hohl’s death. However, they emphasized that there is no immediate threat to the safety of other deployed personnel.
Hohl, a veteran with nearly two decades of service, worked as a vehicle technician for a helicopter unit stationed in Edmonton. He was part of Operation Reassurance, serving in the aviation battalion within NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia.
In a statement, Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces to Hohl’s family, friends, and colleagues. She praised Hohl for his dedicated service and acknowledged the profound impact of his loss on the military community.
The Canadian contingent in Latvia, comprising approximately 2,000 troops, is part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s primary international deployment. Since 2017, Canadian forces have been stationed in Latvia to bolster the defense of Eastern Europe and act as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression in the Baltic region.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced an extension of Canada’s mission in Latvia until 2029, underscoring the country’s commitment to supporting NATO allies and promoting regional security.
[End of the rewritten article]
