A Gambian soldier has died while on duty in Upper River Region.

Lance Corporal Abdoulie Corr, a member of the 3rd Infantry Battalion based in Basse, died on Thursday in Kerr Chandeh, a village in the Upper River Region near the Senegalese border.

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” by the loss and expressed condolences to the soldier’s family and colleagues.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the entire GAF extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the statement read.

The military added that it was “praying for Almighty Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the loss, and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.”

Lance Corporal Abdoulie will be laid to rest later on Thursday at 14:00 GMT in his hometown of Kerr Chandeh.

By Adama Makasuba