New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
24 June 2009

New Zealand Forces Involved In Exchange Of Gunfire In Afghanistan

A patrol from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) in Afghanistan was involved in an exchange of gunfire against insurgents who were targeting an Afghanistan National Police (ANP) compound overnight. The NZPRT patrol was in the compound conducting liaison with the ANP. There were no New Zealand or ANP casualties.

The patrol was in Do Abe, 50km North East of Kiwi Base in Bamyan, with the ANP after a recent improvised explosive device (IED) detonation at the local government official’s office.

The exchange of gunfire, lasting about 15 minutes, involved small arms and rocket propelled grenades from an estimated six to eight unidentified insurgents.

The NZPRT patrol and the ANP returned fire. Coalition air support was requested by Kiwi Base in Bamyan and two aircraft conducted an over-flight of the location shortly after the engagement. The insurgents withdrew from their fire positions, ending the contact.

There are no casualties reported to NZPRT or ANP personnel, or local civilians.

The New Zealanders are now working with the ANP to ensure that security is maintained.

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The NZPRT has been in Bamyan Province since September 2003, supporting the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, Afghan National Police and the district sub-governors. The NZPRT promotes security and stability in the region, as well as identifying and project managing various NZAID reconstruction tasks, and distributing Humanitarian Aid.

The latest PRT is the fourteenth rotation and is made up of approximately 140 NZDF personnel drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force based in Bamyan province. It is also supported by NZDF staff based in Kabul.

ENDS

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