Media Room: Media Releases

AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

An Australian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting operations in southern Afghanistan.

Australian soldiers were conducting a route clearance early this morning local time when the IED was detected.

In the course of dealing with the device there was an explosion. It is believed that the soldier, who was a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, was killed instantly.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the soldier was highly skilled and courageous.

“He was an expert in countering IEDs and he lost his life trying to make the environment safe for his mates and people of Afghanistan.”

“While we cannot confirm at this stage what caused the explosion, unfortunately the very nature of these improvised devices means they are unstable and this makes them exceptionally difficult to deal with.”

“Sadly, despite the ADF’s comprehensive approach to training; our counter IED awareness and well proven tactics, techniques and procedures in countering IED’s, in this instance, tragically a soldier was killed.

“My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of this soldier who was made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our Nation.  I am humbled by his courage.”

The soldier’s family have been notified and his name has been requested to be withheld.

No other Australian soldiers were wounded in the incident.

As operations are ongoing, Defence is not able to release further details at this time.

Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664