Youngest soldier to take part in Kabul evacuation found dead aged 20

13 January 2024 , 17:19

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The chaotic pullout from Afghanistan in 2022 (Image: PA)

The youngest soldier to take part in the evacuation of Kabul has died in a suspected suicide, aged 20.

Private Kieran Steven Heaney was 18 when he joined the mission to rescue thousands of Afghans and Brits. The soldier, of 2nd battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, was found dead in his room at his Chester barracks on January 4.

Commanding officer Lt Col Mike Wade-Smith said: “Private Heaney was dependable, the one you could trust to get the task done, without fuss or fanfare. [He was] reliable and respected by his peers and seniors alike, brave, resilient, disciplined, friendly, fun and courageous. Pte Heaney had already demonstrated all these qualities in the operational and sporting arenas. Selfless in his service, he will be missed by all members of the Battalion.”

Kieran Steven Heaney

Lt Col Mike Wade-Smith

Pte Heaney’s regiment added that he was known for his bravery and positivity in and out of the boxing ring. And it said the decision to send him to Afghanistan despite his young age was testament to his discipline, courage, compassion and maturity.

In August 2022, some 15,000 people were airlifted on more than 100 flights in the largest British evacuation since the Second World War. Of those rescued, 5,000 were British nationals and 8,000 were Afghans vulnerable to persecution by the Taliban due to their role in assisting our forces during the ­Afghanistan War.

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The airlift came after the ­fanatical Islamist group regained control of Afghanistan following the US decision to withdraw its troops after more than 20 years.

Pte Heaney joined the Army in September 2019, serving with Alma Company in Cyprus, where he provided force protection to the Sovereign Base Area strategic sites.

Sources said it was feared he took his own life. Campaigners say more needs to be done to tackle military mental health after hundreds have suffered post-traumatic stress.

The Army said: “It is with great sadness we can confirm the death of Pte Heaney on January 4. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends.”

John Siddle