NZ journalists under fire in Afghanistan

NZ journalists under fire in Afghanistan

A TVNZ journalist and cameraman were travelling with the NZ Army bomb disposal patrol that came under fire in Eastern Afghanistan late yesterday afternoon.

Small arms fire and mortar rounds were directed at the patrol but no-one was injured.

The army was checking for improvised explosive devices along a road just outside Khost, near the border of Pakistan.

ONE News’ Defence Reporter, Michael Parkin (28) and Cameraman Blair Martin (26) – both of TVNZ Wellington – were travelling with the bomb disposal experts as part of an assignment covering the work NZ soldiers are doing in Afghanistan.

The troops had blown up 3 I.E.D.s and were returning to their Khost base when they were fired on.

The NZ Defence Force has described the attack as “sporadic and ineffective”.

TVNZ were advised of the incident by NZDF this morning and expect to hear from Michael and Blair when they land in Kandahar in the next few hours.

ENDS

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