Norwegian police arrested four Belgian soldiers on Saturday evening after a violent incident in the city of Åndalsnes. At least one person was reportedly taken to hospital.
A battalion of Belgian paratroopers is currently on winter training near Åndalsnes, Norway. They belong to the Special Operations Regiment of the Belgian army, which includes the Special Forces, but also the paratroopers. A discussion reportedly got out of hand in a café in the center of Åndalsnes on Saturday evening, causing a fight. The Norwegian Defense Headquarters (FOH) confirmed this to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
One resident of Åndalsnes who was involved in the fight was taken to hospital, according to police. He was also interrogated. According to the police, there may be multiple victims, according to a message on X.
“Walhalla” for outdoor sports
Norwegian district commander Richard Moen described the incident as an “unfortunate situation”. He confirmed to a local newspaper in Åndalsnes that the four arrested soldiers are involved in winter training. They are said to be between 20 and 40 years old. The case is being handled by the Norwegian police, who would work together with the Belgian military police and the Norwegian armed forces, the FOH said.
The arrest of the four soldiers is confirmed by a spokesperson for the Belgian Defense. They will be questioned about a fight. Defense declined to comment further “so as not to impede the investigation.”
On Norwegian tourist websites, Åndalsnes is described as “the paradise for climbers, mountain hikers, mountain bikers, cyclists, swimmers, kayakers… Every outdoor enthusiast can indulge themselves in this place.”
