Skip to main content
Defence News
  • Home
  • National
  • International
  • Capability
  • Technology
  • Industry
  • People
  • Navy
  • Army
  • Air Force
  1. Home
  2. Afghan civilian killed following an incident at Tarin Kot Heavy Weapons Range

Afghan civilian killed following an incident at Tarin Kot Heavy Weapons Range

2 November 2012

Australian personnel in Uruzgan are investigating an incident involving Afghan civilians at the heavy weapons range at Multinational Base – Tarin Kot.

It is believed an Afghan teenager died of injuries he received after he entered the heavy weapons range.

Initial reports indicate that civilians were identified inside the range area after heavy weapons firing had commenced on the afternoon of 1 November 2012 (Afghan time).  

On observing the civilians, Australian personnel on the range immediately ceased firing.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Ash Power said the soldiers conducting the firing believe the Afghan was most likely injured during their practice but a full investigation into the incident would seek to determine the facts.

“As soon as the soldiers realised the Afghan civilians were in danger they ceased fire and directed Afghan security personnel to move forward and assist,” Lieutenant General Power said.  

“The injured Afghan was taken to the civilian hospital in Tarin Kot for treatment and we were later advised that he had unfortunately died of his injuries.”

The exact age of the deceased is not known at this time but he is believed to be a teenager. 

Procedures are in place to minimise the risk of local Afghans entering onto the range.

Uruzgan authorities have been informed and the incident is currently being investigated in cooperation with local authorities.  

This incident did not occur during the conduct of operations.

No further information is available at this time as inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Other Media release content

Exercise Autonomous Warrior testing new technologies to meet emerging maritime security challenges

Imagery - Chinese Naval Vessel operating off West Australian Coast

Toowoomba exercise tests joint Army and Police response

Media Release - Indo Pacific 2022 opens in Sydney

Exercise Southern Jackaroo

Subscribe to our RSS Feed

  • Media releases
  • Stories
  • Transcripts
  • On-the-record list

© Copyright / Defence News

All rights reserved

Defending Australia and its National Interests Small shape of Australia with tagline
  • Contact us
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy