Media Room: Media Releases

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVES DEVICES POSE CONSTANT THREAT: AFGHAN SOLDIER KILLED IN ATTACK

There have been three separate incidences involving IEDs on 19 October 2009 in Oruzgan Province Afghanistan. In the most serious of these, one Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier was killed and one seriously wounded. There were no Australian casualties.

In the first incident, two ANA soldiers, who were part of a foot patrol with an Australian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team operating north of Tarin Kowt on Monday 19 October, were wounded when an IED detonated.

Both ANA soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the medical facility at Tarin Kowt. Tragically, one soldier later died of his wounds.

The second wounded ANA soldier is currently being treated by medical staff and remains in a serious condition. 

This incident was followed later in the day by a second IED attack involving a different Operational Mentor and Liaison Team further north of the initial incident.  No soldiers were wounded in the second attack which also involved a dismounted ANA and Australian patrol.

A third IED uncovered later by an ADF Explosive Ordnance Disposal team in a separate location was later destroyed.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Mark Evans says the three incidents overnight illustrate the continued threat to the local population, Afghan and Coalition forces posed by IEDs.

“Improvised Explosive Devices remain a serious threat in Afghanistan and the incidents in the last 24 hours are a reminder for how random these attacks can be.  On behalf of the ADF, I extend my deep sympathy to the family of the brave ANA soldier who was killed yesterday,” Lieutenant General Evans said.

Defence continues to work to counter the threat of IEDs as a high priority for both Australian and Afghan soldiers.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664