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Media Release

20 August 2012

IED Incident in Bamyan Province Afghanistan

The New Zealand Defence Force can confirm that three personnel serving with the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan have been killed following an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incident in the North East of Bamyan Province.

At approximately 0920 (Afghanistan time) on Sunday 19 August, the last vehicle in a convoy was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device, North West of Do Abe, on the road to Romero.

The remaining personnel in the patrol secured the location and awaited additional support.

The Defence Force has informed and is supporting next of kin.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones said, “We are deeply saddened by this loss, especially given the recent incident on 4 August. On behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, colleagues and friends of the personnel involved.”

There will be a media conference at the Beehive theatrette, Wellington today (Monday) at 11.30am.

Until then no further comment will be made.

ENDS

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