Media Room: Media Releases

SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK GROUP SOLDIERS WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN

Nine Australian Special Forces soldiers have been wounded in action during an overnight battle with Taliban extremists in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

The soldiers were part of an ongoing Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) operation to disrupt Taliban extremist command and control networks at the time of the incident.

Initial reporting indicates that one SOTG soldier suffered life-threatening wounds, five suffered serious wounds and three suffered slight wounds in the contact.

Defence spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said the wounded soldiers were provided immediate first aid by fellow members of their patrol at the scene of the contact and evacuated by helicopter to ISAF medical facilities.

“All nine soldiers have been evacuated from the area of the contact and are receiving the best possible medical care at present,” Brigadier Dawson said.

“The SOTG operation is ongoing and elements of the task group remain on the operation so we are unable to provide further detail on the incident at this time.

“Our concern remains with the soldiers in the field and ensuring we do not jeopardise them through the release of information that could be exploited by our adversary.”

Several Taliban extremists were killed in the contact.

Further details about the incident will be provided when confirmed facts are available and the operational situation allows.

The soldiers’ families have been informed.

Further details of the ADF commitment to Afghanistan can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opslipper

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664