DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 109/08
Monday, 28 April 2008
SPECIAL OPERATIONS SOLDIER KILLED, FOUR WOUNDED
An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in
Afghanistan has been killed by Taliban extremists in Oruzgan Province, approximately 25km
southeast of Tarin Kowt.
Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the soldier was killed during
a gun-battle in the early hours of this morning (AEST) when Australian soldiers were
engaged by Taliban extremists using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.
“Lance Corporal Jason Marks, who was 27 years of age and from the Sydney-based 4th
Battalion (Commando), the Royal Australian Regiment, was killed just after 6pm,” Air Chief
Marshal Houston said.
Four other soldiers were also seriously wounded during the contact. Their condition is
assessed as not life threatening. Due to the nature of wounds, one of more of those
hospitalised may need to be evacuated to other facilities for more advanced medical
treatment. In accordance with Defence policy, their names will not be released.
The wounded soldiers and the body of Lance Corporal Marks have since been evacuated by
helicopter to a medical facility at Tarin Kowt. Repatriation arrangements for Lance Corporal
Marks’ body will begin immediately.
“This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire Defence Organisation, I extend my deepest
sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Lance Corporal Marks. Our best wishes
are also with the wounded soldiers in the hope that they make a speedy recovery.
Defence has notified the immediate families of all soldiers involved and is providing
assistance to them during this very difficult time.
“Our soldiers continue to acquit themselves magnificently and the SOTG continues to take
the fight to the Taliban. However, due to the nature of special operations, no further details
can be released at this time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Information on the ADF’s commitment to Afghanistan can be found at:
Media Note: Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston’s media statement will be available from:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
