Soldiers Wounded In Engagement With Taliban

Australian Soldiers Wounded In Engagement With Taliban

Australian soldiers conducting a dismounted patrol led by the Afghan National Army in Oruzgan Province, were engaged in a contact with Taliban insurgents who used an Improvised Explosive Device, Rocket Propelled Grenades and small arms fire on Tuesday, 24 March 2009.

Three Australian soldiers from the Australian Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) patrol and a coalition interpreter were wounded in the engagement. Their wounds were caused by fragmentation from the Improvised Explosive Device. It is not known what caused the device to activate.

The OMLT patrol returned fire and coalition close air support was provided during the engagement.

The wounded soldiers and interpreter were given combat first aid by the patrol and moved by helicopter to the Dutch hospital at Tarin Kowt, when the tactical situation allowed.

Two of the wounded soldiers sustained serious, but not life threatening injuries and continue to receive medical treatment in Tarin Kowt. The third soldier received more serious wounds and has undergone surgery. He is now receiving further treatment at ISAF medical facilities in Kandahar. The interpreter received serious injuries to his upper body and is also receiving intensive medical care in Kandahar.

Australian and Afghan soldiers at the scene of the incident have maintained contact with the Taliban insurgents and are conducting a search for the attackers. As operations are continuing the ADF will not release further details at this time.

The families of the Australian soldiers wounded have been notified.

Additional information on this incident may be released once operations conclude.

ENDS

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