Bulgarian Soldier Gurdi Gurdev’s investigation concluded

BULGARIAN INVESTIGATION RESULTS ANNOUNCED

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The Multinational Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) investigation of the March 4th incident southeast of Ad Diwanyah, Iraq, in which a Bulgarian Soldier was killed, is complete. The investigation concluded that Junior Sergeant Gurdi Gurdev’s death resulted from U.S. and Bulgarian forces firing on each other in response to what each believed to be a hostile act from a legitimate military target.

This was a tragic accident, and the men and women of Multi-National Force-Iraq extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Junior Sergeant Gurdi Gurdev.

At about 7:50 p.m., in total darkness, Soldiers from the 56th Brigade Combat Team and a Bulgarian patrol were involved in a firefight. Junior Sergeant Gurdev was wounded during the engagement and later died of his wounds. The incident occurred in the Multinational Division Center South area near a Radio Relay Point (RRP).

The Bulgarian patrol was traveling south when it stopped in the vicinity of the RRP. Neither the Bulgarian patrol nor U.S. forces manning the RRP were aware of the others’ presence. The incident started when the Bulgarian patrol fired warning shots at an approaching Iraqi vehicle. Believing they were being engaged by Anti-Iraqi Forces, U.S. Soldiers manning the RRP fired in the direction of the suspected AIF, which was in fact the Bulgarian patrol.

No further investigation or administrative action is required. Lt. Gen John R. Vines, commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq approved the findings March 19. General Vines subsequently briefed a senior Bulgarian military official on the results of the investigation. -30-

SOURCE: United States Central Command NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 April 2, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-04 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE