Update To Attack On Australian Soldiers In Iraq

Update To Attack On Australian Soldiers In Iraq

Australian soldiers have been fired on by small arms and a rocket while attempting to recover an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) that was destroyed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack earlier this week.

The attack last night has added to a spate of incidents over the past 24-hours near the town of An Nasariyah in the Dhi Qar Province.

The ASLAV hulk was hit by one rocket while a second vehicle sustained minor damage from small arms fire during the recovery of the vehicle last night. No soldiers were injured in the attack which resulted in the Overwatch Battle Group West (OBG(W)) patrol returning fire.

The use of an IED as part of a series of attacks by Anti-Iraqi Forces against a coalition patrol reflects the dangers faced almost daily by Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The nature of the explosive device remains under assessment. Explosive experts from OBG(W) were at the site as part of the recovery operation. The ADF has a specific Counter IED Task Force that is working with coalition IED specialists to develop new technologies, tactics and procedures that may provide a counter to the threat posed by these devices.

The IED attack on Monday destroyed one ASLAV and damaged two others. Three soldiers received wounds and injuries from the explosion. The soldier who suffered lower leg injuries has had surgery in Baghdad and is to be repatriated to Kuwait for additional treatment for burns, lacerations and a broken ankle. His medical assessment is stable and details of any future possible repatriation will be advised.

The soldier with minor head injuries is returning to the OBG(W) after treatment in Baghdad. The third soldier that presented with wounds on the morning after the attack has been found to have suffered fragment wounds and a broken elbow.

ENDS

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