Australian Vehicles Attacked In Baghdad

Australian Vehicles Attacked In Baghdad

At approximately 0800 hrs this morning in Baghdad (1500hr AEST), an ADF Security Detachment (SECDET) Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) patrol was engaged by a suspected vehicle borne explosive device in central Baghdad.

Two vehicles were damaged and three Australian Army personnel suffered non-life threatening injuries. Those personnel are currently receiving medical attention in a nearby US medical facility. One Army member has since been released from this medical facility.

The SECDET ASLAVs were on a routine task in Baghdad when the attack occurred. There were three (3) ASLAVs in the patrol. The attack occurred about 350m away from the SECDET location, near the Australian Embassy.

Iraqi Police and Coalition personnel have secured the area.

No Australian diplomatic staff were travelling with the Australian patrol at the time.

No Australians were killed in the attack, however initial reporting indicates that there were civilians killed and wounded.

"This is the first direct attack on Australian ASLAVs. Iraq remains a dangerous place and our troops are equipped, prepared and well led to deal with these safety issues which confront Iraqis and all coalition partners working for a stable Iraq," Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston said.

This incident does not affect the ADF's capability to provide security to the diplomatic staff and ADF deployed personnel in Iraq.

Next of kin of the soldiers involved in this incident are being informed.

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