Afghan governor killed in Digger firefight

Afghan governor killed in Digger firefight

19.09.2008

AN Afghan district governor has been killed in a firefight in which Australian troops were involved, the Department of Defence confirmed today.

But it was unable at this stage to confirm if Chora District Governor and tribal leader Rozi Khan died from shots fired by Australian soldiers.

A number of others were killed in the fighting but no Australians were hurt.

Defence said in a statement the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was working closely with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan authorities who would launch a joint investigation.

The ADF would also launch its own investigation into yesterday`s incident, it said.

"Initial ADF reporting indicates that the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) patrol was moving on foot towards a subsequent activity when they were fired on from a number of locations by unknown attackers," defence said.

"The SOTG patrol returned fire in self-defence."

Defence said the initial assessment indicated that the SOTG personnel acted in accordance with their rules of engagement and their actions were appropriate and proportionate in what was a complex and lethal environment.

"The ADF can confirm that Chora District Governor and tribal leader, Rozi Khan, was among those killed. It is not possible at this time to determine that he was killed by ADF fire," it said.

Defence said a number of groups, including Afghan National Police personnel, were in the vicinity of the incident.

It said initial reports indicated that a number of local nationals were killed or wounded in the exchange of fire.

"The identity of these additional personnel will be determined as part of the investigations that are now underway," it said.

"Australian Forces make every effort to minimise the risk of any damage, injury or loss of life to non-combatants in the course of its operations. However, the ADF reserves the right to protect its own people."

Defence said it would release no further information until the ADF and ISAF/Afghan government investigations were complete. 

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