Update – Operational incident in north-west Uruzgan

Australian commanders are working with their ISAF and Afghan colleagues to determine the facts surrounding an incident that resulted in the death of two young Afghan civilians in north-west Uruzgan province on 28 February 2013.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley offered his condolences to the boys' family.

“We deeply regret that the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) were responsible for the unintended death of two young Afghan boys during the operation.”

General Hurley said Australian soldiers from the Special Operations Task Group were on the ground conducting a routine liaison patrol when the incident occurred.

“Australian personnel immediately reported the incident to Afghan Government officials and military leaders in Uruzgan.

“It is premature to make any determination about how the incident occurred or who was responsible,” said General Hurley.

The Australian Defence Force takes the issue of civilian casualties very seriously.

ADF personnel operate under a strict set of Australian Rules of Engagement designed to minimise the risk of civilian casualties.

The incident is under investigation and no further information will be provided at this time.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999