TIRANA, May 7 – Albanian Second Lieutenant Zarife Hasanaj, part of the contingent of the Albanian Armed Forces who participate in the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Latvia, lost her life this morning during a training that was taking place at the Alliance’s base.
The 32-year-old Hasanaj was wounded by explosion of some ammunition, while Majori Klodian Tanushi, commander of the Albanian contingent, and Sergeant Julian Kapaj, were also wounded.
The Albanian Army effectives had the duty of reclamation of an area where artillery shots were conducted a day ago. According to reports, they encountered some mines which had remained activated. The full circumstances, according to NATO’s base commander, are still unclear.
Chief of Staff of the Albanian Army Bardhyl Kollcaku explained that “according to information up to now, Major Tanushi and Sergeant Kapaj are under the maximum care of doctors at the Adazi Camp base in Latvia.”
Of the two wounded, one is reported to be in serious condition.
Kollà§aku added that “for today’s event we are in constant contact with the highest Latvian authorities and our allies on mission”, while expressing “his highest condolences to the family of Officer Hasanaj who lost her life on duty.”
President Ilir Meta stated that he had learned with “deep bitterness” about the event, expressing “deepest condolences to the family of Second Lieutenant Zarife Hasanaj, as well as members of the contingent of the Armed Forces in Latvia.”
He stressed that “he is following with concern the condition of the injured practitioners and wished for the quick recovery Major Klodian Tanushi and Sergeant Julian Kapaj.”
“A painful and deep respect for the Armed Forces Officer, Zafire Hasanaj, who fell on duty during a NATO mission to Latvia, where two others were wounded! Condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Zafir and may her memory be eternal.”
Since 1992 Albania has been extensively engaged with NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of United States and EU in the Balkans.
Albania has been a NATO member since 2008 and its army has participated in several peacekeeping missions, including Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, Feti Vogli, a special forces officer, was killed in Afghanistan.
