Australian And Afghan Soldiers Wounded

Australian And Afghan National Army Soldiers Wounded In IED Attacks

Australian and Afghan troops have been the target of several Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in southern Afghanistan over the last few days.

During a security patrol north of Tarin Kowt on Saturday 1 August, a combined Australian and Afghan National Army force suffered two casualties when an IED detonated close to the dismounted team.

Members of the patrol secured the area and provided first aid to the soldiers.

An Australian and an Afghan soldier were aero-medically evacuated to the ISAF medical facility at Tarin Kowt and are undergoing treatment. Both soldiers remain in a satisfactory condition. The Australian Defence Force has notified the MRTF-2 soldier’s family.

While the site was being secured and an Explosive Ordnance Investigation team was being called forward, the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) patrol discovered a secondary, unexploded device. The area was cordoned off while Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists were called to respond to the device and render it safe.

In a separate incident over the weekend, another OMLT patrol was struck with what was believed to be a road-side bomb. There were no injuries reported from the IED strike.

On Monday 03 August 2009, an OMLT patrol struck what is believed to be an IED which resulted in minor injuries sustained by an Australian soldier. The injured soldier will remain in theatre where he is receiving treatment for his wounds and will return to active duty. The soldier’s family has been notified.

These incidents highlight the ongoing threat that IEDs pose to civilians and coalition troops as the Taliban continue to conduct operations using indiscriminate weapons.

ENDS

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