The Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) has concluded investigations into an incident involving an Afghan civilian at the heavy weapons range at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
The incident was alleged to have contributed to the death of a young Afghan male during the afternoon of 1 November 2012.
Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Ash Power said the outcome of the ADFIS investigation indicated there is no direct evidence to suggest that the ADF contributed to cause of death.
“Local customs and religious practices meant that we could not examine the young man’s remains which had already been buried,” Lieutenant General Power said.
Australian Defence Force personnel, Afghan security guards, the brother of the deceased male and a local doctor were interviewed as part of the investigation.
“It is the observation of the treating doctor which reinforces the findings that there is no direct evidence that the conduct of the range practice caused the injury.”
Local Afghans regularly stray into the range areas and procedures are in place to minimise the risk when this occurs.
Uruzgan authorities were involved in the investigation.
Defence deeply regrets any deaths or injuries to civilians and continually acts to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
