Media Room: Defence Speech

INCIDENT IN AFGHANISTAN

Statement by Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston

It is with a very heavy heart that I confirm that another Australian Soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

This afternoon Australian time, Australian troops were undertaking a route clearance when an Improvised Explosive Device—known as an IED—was detected.

An Australian soldier took action to render the device safe.

As he was carrying out this task there was an explosion and he was killed. This soldier was highly skilled and very courageous. He was an expert in countering IED’s and he lost his life trying to make the environment safe for his mates and local Afghan’s by neutralising the threat the device posed.

At this point in time we do not know what caused the explosion. Unfortunately, the very nature of these improvised devices mean that they are often unstable and not uniform in their material nor make-up. This makes them exceptionally difficult to predict.

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 a soldier was killed.

It is always tragic when we lose someone on our operations. Clearly, this week has been especially difficult and we are devastated that another soldier has been killed so soon after the death of Corporal Mathew Hopkins.

As I expressed during my statement on Tuesday, the situation in Afghanistan remains very dangerous. But the importance of our mission should not be overlooked. These IED’s are indicative of the ruthlessness of the enemy that we seek to defeat. They are indiscriminate and they are highly lethal. 

I will not be releasing this soldier’s name today. His family have been informed and they will need privacy as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest.

I am also most concerned about the need to protect our soldiers that remain in the field—this operation is ongoing.

I know that my words this evening will do little to ease the pain of this soldier’s family—but I want them to be aware from the outset that their loved one died protecting his mates and was willing to sacrifice himself in order to safeguard others. I can think of no more admirable action, nor one more worthy of our gratitude and respect, than that of this fine soldier today.

To the family, I say that our thoughts and prayers—my thoughts and prayers—are with you. I will ensure you are supported through your time of grief.

You have been very respectful of our need to maintain privacy in the past and I ask for this to continue today—thank you.

Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664