DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 154/09
Monday, 11 May 2009
CIVILIAN CASUALTY INCIDENT IN JULY 2006
Media reports in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald today refer to an incident in
Afghanistan in July 2006, in which a civilian was killed.
The report alleges involvement by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who
were under the operational control of a US Commander as part of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
This matter was investigated by US Coalition Command in Afghanistan in 2006 and
the US officer found that no coalition forces were operating in the area described by
Mr Khaliq.
On the basis of that investigation and an assessment derived from Australian
operational records, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus
Houston, advised the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Senate Committee at
Estimates in February 2007 that there was no substance to the allegations.
However, if any additional information or evidence comes to light, Defence would
welcome it being forwarded and would act on that information appropriately.
The Australian Defence Force has strict Rules of Engagement designed to protect our
troops, while ensuring that the actions of Australian forces are consistent with our
obligations under Australian and international law in protecting the lives and property
of the innocent.
Our Rules of Engagement are designed to avoid civilian casualties and damage to
civilian infrastructure.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
