Defence investigation concludes

Defence has completed an investigation into the death of a suspected insurgent on 3 October, 2010.

Elements of the Special Operations Task Group were conducting an operation to clear several compounds of interest in the Shah Wali Kot region of Northern Kandahar when a suspected insurgent attempted to attack an Australian soldier with a knife.

Recognising the immediate threat to his own life, the Australian soldier engaged and killed the man.

The incident was reported in 2010 and it was initially assessed that the soldier acted in accordance with Australian Rules of Engagement.

Following significant public interest in 2012, the Chief of Joint Operations directed that the details of the incident be investigated.

The Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) investigation found that the soldier acted lawfully in the circumstances and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement.

Consequently, the ADF will not be taking further action in this matter.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999