Australian Soldier Wounded In Southern Iraq

Soldier Wounded In Iraq

An Australian soldier on patrol in southern Iraq suffered a single gun-shot wound in an incident on Tuesday. He is assessed as being in a serious condition but the wound is not considered life threatening.

Spokesman for Defence, Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said his fellow soldiers immediately administered emergency first aid and he was evacuated by US helicopter to a nearby hospital at Tallil.

"The soldier is conscious and has spoken highly of the conduct of his colleagues in responding to the incident," Brigadier Nikolic said.

"The soldier is serving with the Overwatch Battle Group (OBG(W)) and was participating in a routine patrol in Dhi Qar province when the incident occurred around midnight (Iraq time). The incident was approximately 60 km from Camp Terendak, the Australian base."

"The incident highlights that Iraq remains a dangerous place. Anti-Iraqi forces see the Coalition's contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq as a threat to their attempt to gain control in Iraq."

A Coalition investigation into the incident has begun.

In accordance with Defence rules, the name of the wounded soldier will not be released.

ENDS

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