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.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
