Two Australian soldiers wounded by IED in Afghanistan

Two Australian soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Task Group (3 RAR Task Group), were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Uruzgan province on Tuesday.

The soldiers were travelling in a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) in the Deh Rawud region when an IED detonated against the PMV.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Ash Power said one of the soldiers sustained serious wounds as a result of the blast, while the second soldier received only minor wounds.

“It was pleasing to see that the soldiers from the 3 RAR Task Group reacted promptly and professionally to this incident by providing the best quality care to their wounded mates,” Lieutenant General Power said.

“Both of the wounded soldiers received immediate first aid at the incident site and were quickly evacuated by helicopter to the Role II Medical Facility at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot, where they are now reported to be in a satisfactory condition.”

Both soldiers have contacted their families to advise them of the incident.

It is likely that the seriously injured soldier will return to Australia for further recovery and rehabilitation.

In 2012, 17 Australian Defence Force personnel have been wounded in Afghanistan.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999