DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 295/08
Wednesday, 10 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 continues to improve at a US medical
facility in Germany.
Defence spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said he was encouraged by reports
that the soldier’s condition has improved.
“The soldier is responding well to treatment and now has his partner with him in
Germany. We expect he will remain in Germany for the foreseeable future
undergoing care,” Brigadier Dawson said.
“Three of the nine wounded Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) soldiers have
now returned to Australia since the incident and continue to undergo treatment for
their wounds.
“The other five soldiers have either returned, or will soon return to duty and remain in
Southern Afghanistan.
“It is important to note that the incident has not affected the operational tempo of the
SOTG which continues to be extremely effective in its ability to disrupt Taliban
extremist command and control processes and support structures.”
Defence will not be releasing further details of the wounded soldiers and requests that
the media respect the privacy of the soldiers undergoing care and their families.
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 
