DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 222/09
Sunday, 19 July 2009
MENTORING AND RECONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE
MEMBER KILLED ON OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN
An Australian soldier serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in
Afghanistan was killed while on operations north of Tarin Kowt yesterday morning, Saturday,
Afghanistan time.
The soldier was killed when an anti-personnel explosive device exploded.
A second Australian soldier was wounded. Three Afghan civilians were also injured in the
incident.
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the incident
occurred during an operation against a compound of interest in the Baluchi Valley.
“It appears that in the course of the cordon and search operation – conducted with our Afghan
National Army partners - an anti-personnel explosive device has exploded, killing one
Australian soldier and wounding another,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Three Afghan civilians also received less serious injuries in the explosion. One of the injured
is believed to be an eight-year-old boy.
“All those injured in the incident were provided immediate first aid and promptly evacuated
by helicopter to the ISAF medical facility in Tarin Kowt,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Air Chief Marshal Houston expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased
soldier.
“In this time of grief, the Australian Defence Force offers its full support and condolences to
the family of this courageous fallen soldier.
“Preparations are now underway to bring him home so his family can lay him to rest.”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the wounded soldier had undergone surgery and was now in
a serious but stable condition.
“Our thoughts are also with his family at this difficult time.
“This terrible incident is a sad reminder of the dangers faced by our soldiers in Afghanistan.”
As operations are still ongoing no further information on this incident can be provided, in
order to protect those still in the field.
This is the 11th Australian soldier to be killed on operations in Afghanistan.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
