Australian Explosive Specialist Wounded

Australian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist Wounded While Destroying Insurgent Weapons

An Australian Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist suffered a superficial wound to his hand during the controlled detonation of two insurgent Improvised Explosive Devices overnight.

The specialist was destroying the two explosive devices after they were discovered by an Australian patrol in the Chora valley region of Oruzgan province on Thursday the 4th of March.

Commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations, Major General John Cantwell, said the wounded soldier was provided first aid at the scene and returned to Tarin Kowt.

“We have since moved him back to the ISAF medical facility at Tarin Kowt so that a specialist can determine if there will any permanent damage from the wound,” Major General Cantwell said.

“I understand that he is in good spirits and looking forward to getting back to his job.”

Improvised Explosive Devices are one of the greatest threats facing Australian soldiers and their Afghan National Army partners in Oruzgan Province.

The two devices yesterday posed an immediate threat to security patrols and the local population who lived nearby.

“Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel do a very difficult and dangerous job in reducing the threat posed by these devices,” Major General Cantwell said.

“The bravery they show in getting in and dealing with these highly unpredictable weapons is remarkable.”

There have been seven battle casualties this year to date.

ENDS

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