Australian Special Forces soldier wounded in Afghanistan

An Australian Special Forces soldier has been wounded during an Afghan National Security Forces and Special Operations Task Group mission in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

The soldier received a gunshot wound to the lower left leg when the combined-force element came under small-arms fire from insurgents.

The soldier was immediately treated by members of the force element and was aeromedically evacuated to a medical facility at Multi-National Base – Tarin Kot for further treatment.

Acting Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, said the soldier was relaxed and interacting with his mates during treatment at Tarin Kot.

“His wounds are not life-threatening. Medical personnel will assess him and confirm the details for his possible return to Australia in the coming days so he can receive the very best treatment,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

“The soldier notified his next of kin personally from Tarin Kot.”

Rear Admiral Gilmore said the mission was another example of the Afghan National Security Forces and Special Operations Task Group maintaining pressure on the insurgency.

“ANSF and Australian Special Forces soldiers are continuing to disrupt insurgency networks operating in Uruzgan province to help make the country a safer place for the people of Afghanistan.

“These combined Afghan and Australian missions continue to build the skills, confidence and tactical abilities of the ANSF to meet and respond to the insurgency.”

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