Defense Ministry dismisses military college officials after cadet dies from heat exposure

BAGHDAD — Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi on Wednesday ordered the dismissal of the dean of the Fourth Military College and the commander of the relevant regiment after a cadet died and eight others were hospitalized due to dehydration and heat exposure.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry said, “The Minister of Defense orders the dismissal of the dean of the Fourth Military College and the commander of the relevant regiment from their positions, after (9) students from the 89th course suffered a health incident and were transferred to Nasiriyah Hospital.”

The ministry added that a special investigative committee will be formed at the college “to determine the circumstances of the incident.”

The cadets had arrived at the Fourth Military College in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar governorate, on Sunday, May 18. During the reception process — which included verifying names and assigning students to squads and platoons — nine students showed signs of fatigue and exhaustion.

“As a result of exposure to sunlight, they suffered from dehydration and a health episode. They were transported by the college’s medical unit to Nasiriyah Hospital,” the statement said.

According to the ministry, six cadets have since recovered and will be discharged. Two others remain hospitalized in stable condition. One cadet died from health complications related to the incident.

The name of the deceased has not been released.