An RTF2 soldier guards a captured Taliban PKM machine-gun and AK47 automatic rifle, while a sniper maintains observation of the area after a contact in Oruzgan province that resulted in the Taliban suffering casualties, breaking contact and abandoning their weapons. Photos by Cpl Jamie Osborne
Ready: Maintaining readiness after initial contact. Photo by Cpl Jamie Osborne
THREE SOTG soldiers received wounds in an intense contact with the Taliban in Afghanistan earlier this month.
The action follows a series of contacts between the RTF 2 and the Taliban in late August, including one contact dramatically captured on film by a 1 Joint Public Affairs Unit photographer.
Two SOTG soldiers suffered superficial wounds in the latest incident but remained on task.
Another soldier was slightly injured during the contact and was evacuated for further treatment at a nearby International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medical facility.
Defence spokesman Brig Andrew Nikolic said the soldiers were given immediate first aid at the scene of the incident and the medical evacuation of the injured soldier occurred as soon as the tactical situation allowed.
“The evacuated soldier received specialist medical care at the ISAF facility but due to the nature of his injury and the recovery period required, he has been returned to Australia for further treatment,” Brigadier Nikolic said.
“The two wounded soldiers remain in Afghanistan and continue their mission with the SOTG.”
Meanwhile, the fighting involving RTF 2 soldiers in Oruzgan province last month was also close and intense.
No Australian troops were injured in the fighting, but the Taliban suffered casualties.
Chief of Joint Operations Lt-Gen Ken Gillespie said the clash highlighted the difference that firepower, mobility, training, leadership and good equipment could make.
“To date, our security elements in Afghanistan have been successful in ensuring that no RTF worksites have been directly attacked,” Lt-Gen Gillespie said.
“I commend the soldiers involved for their actions, which are a testament to the quality of their skills, training and equipment.”
He has travelled to the MEAO on a number of occasions, allowing him to observe the difference ADF personnel are making.
“The recurring message I encountered was that our soldiers, sailors and aircrew know that their contribution is welcomed and valued,” he said. “ADF personnel are performing well in difficult and demanding operational conditions, which test them and their equipment. As has been the case throughout our history, Defence personnel rise to meet any challenge with characteristic Aussie determination, perseverance and resilience.”
