Australian soldier killed in action in Afghanistan

An Australian soldier serving with Mentoring Task Force - Three (MTF-3) in Uruzgan Province has been killed in action after being wounded by what is believed to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The soldier was conducting a mentored patrol with elements of the Afghan National Army and other Coalition Forces in the Khas Uruzgan region 85km north-east of Tarin Kot, when the device detonated at approximately 0230 hours local Afghan time (0800 hours Australian eastern time).

Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley said the Australian soldier was seriously wounded in the blast.

“He received immediate first aid from his patrol mates before an aero medical team transferred him to the Role 2 Medical facility in Tarin Kot where he received further medical treatment. Unfortunately, the soldier died from his wounds shortly after arrival,” General Hurley said.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and mates on behalf of the ADF.”

General Hurley said the soldier was a respected member of the Townsville based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

“This was his first deployment to Afghanistan having previously served in East Timor in 2009.

“His colleagues describe him as a man who excelled at any task he was assigned and a soldier who was proud to serve his country.”

Defence is now focused on supporting the soldier's family. His family has asked that Defence does not release any personal details at this time.

An ISAF soldier was also wounded in the strike and has been medically assessed and is in a serious but stable condition.

Twenty-nine Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the ADF commenced Operation SLIPPER. Eight Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this year.

Media Contacts: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999