Special Forces Soldiers Wounded During Operations

Four Special Forces Soldiers Wounded During Operations

One Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group has been seriously wounded and two others have received minor wounds after being shot during operations in the Shah Wali Kot region of Northern Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on the 18^th of October.

A fourth soldier was later identified suffering superficial shrapnel wounds.

All four soldiers are in a satisfactory condition and are expected to make a full recovery.

The three soldiers suffering gunshot wounds received immediate first aid from their colleagues before they were aero-medically evacuated.

Two of the soldiers were sent to the Role 2 Medical Facility at the Multi National Base - Tarin Kot, while the most seriously wounded soldier was flown to the Role 3 Medical Facility at Kandahar.

The identification of a fourth soldier as wounded was made later when he reported his condition to the Medical Officer.

All four soldiers are receiving further medical treatment. Two of the soldiers will return to Australia due to the nature of their wounds.

Defence can confirm that no other Afghan, Australian or ISAF soldiers were wounded in the action. No local civilians were injured.

Due to medical-in-confidence restrictions and the soldiers’ protected identities, further details about soldiers and their wounds cannot be disclosed.

Due to ongoing operations at the time and security being a priority for mission success, release of this information was delayed until the operation was completed.

These casualties bring the number of Australians wounded this year to 56. To date, 156 personnel have been wounded since Operation SLIPPER commenced in 2001.

For more information regarding Australian Defence Force operations in Afghanistan, go to http://www.defence.gov.au/op/afghanistan/index.htm

ENDS

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