Review into Special Operations Task Group Operation

The Chief of Defence Force, General David Hurley, has confirmed an investigation is underway into a combined operation between Afghan National Security Forces and Australia’s Special Operations Task Group in Zabul province on 28 April 2013. 

“The ADF can confirm that a combined Afghan National Security Force and Special Operations Task Group force element conducted a mission in Zabul province on 28 April 2013 to target an insurgent commander responsible for a key insurgent network operating in and around Uruzgan province,” General Hurley said. 

“During the course of clearing the targeted area, the force element positively identified several armed insurgents moving to gain a tactical advantage and due to the threat posed, the combined ANSF and SOTG force element engaged and killed four insurgents.

“An incident of potential misconduct during the operation has been raised through the internal national command chain.”

General Hurley said the incident is currently being investigated by the ADF in cooperation with ISAF. 

Defence will not comment further on this incident until the investigation is completed.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999