New Zealand Soldier Hit by 'Dart' in Dili
Media Release
15 June 2006
New Zealand Soldier Hit by ‘Dart’ in Dili
Around 5p.m Dili time, Wednesday 14 June 2006, a NZ soldier suffered a superficial leg wound from a dart fired by a youth while out on a routine patrol in Hera, a small community near Timor Leste’s nation capital.
The dart which struck the soldier in the thigh had been fired at the New Zealanders as they dispersed a group of around 20 youths who had congregated.
The soldier was treated by a medical officer before returning to his platoon. Approximately seven youths have been detained as a result of the incident.
“Its business as normal” says Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Harker, NZ Senior National Officer in Dili. “Our soldiers are trained for operations of this nature. This was a minor incident and the soldier concerned will be back on patrol within the next 24 hours”
ENDS