Inquiry into an operation in Afghanistan complete

Defence has completed an inquiry into a partnered Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) operation in Tarin Kot on 31 August 2012.

The Inquiry Officer found that the operation was appropriately authorised and that two Afghan nationals were engaged and killed within the Rules of Engagement.

During the operation an insurgent leader known to have been involved in improvised explosive device attacks in Uruzgan province was detained.

As previously reported, the insurgent leader was one of 12 persons of interest detained during the operation.

Eleven people were later released after initial questioning indicated there was insufficient evidence to support their continued detention.

The inquiry report will not be released in order to protect the safety of Australian and coalition personnel who remain in Afghanistan.

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