DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 286/08
Thursday, 4 September 2008
SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK GROUP SOLDIERS WOUNDED IN
AFGHANISTAN - UPDATE
An Australian Special Forces soldier who suffered life-threatening wounds in a recent
battle (2 September) with Taliban extremists will be evacuated to Germany today for
further specialist care.
The other eight soldiers wounded in the incident continue to be treated in
Afghanistan.
Defence spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said he was pleased to be able to
report that the condition of some soldiers has improved.
“Following medical treatment, two of those listed yesterday as being seriously
wounded are now considered by doctors to be in a fair condition and that is
encouraging. We do, however, remain deeply concerned for the soldier who will be
transferred to Germany later today,” Brigadier Dawson said.
“Our thoughts are now with the families of these wounded men as they cope with the
separation from their loved ones at this difficult time.”
The most recent status of the wounded soldiers is:
One soldier remains in a critical condition. He is being moved from Tarin
Kowt to US medical facilities in Germany today for further specialist medical
care.
Three soldiers remain in a serious condition and continue to be treated in
ISAF medical facilities at Tarin Kowt.
The five remaining soldiers are now categorised as being in a fair or good
condition.
The ADF is working closely with all families to ensure that they are updated as
information is available and provided with additional support that they may require.
Defence will not be releasing personal details of the wounded soldiers and requests
that the media respect the privacy of their families.
Defence will not provide further information on this incident at this stage as Special
Operations Task Group (SOTG) operations are ongoing and release of additional
information could jeopardise the safety of those who remain in the field.
Further details of the ADF commitment to Afghanistan can be found at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
