Press Release

United States Forces-Afghanistan

February 6, 2009                           

Release Number 20090602-02

Civilians taken to Coalition hospital for medical treatment

KABUL, Afghanistan – Three civilians were wounded when they failed to stop their vehicle when approaching a Coalition checkpoint, after multiple warnings to stop, in Khowst province Feb. 6.

Coalition soldiers were assisting with the recovery of a military vehicle when the civilian vehicle approached them at a high rate of speed. Members of the security team attempted to stop the vehicle, using flashlights and other visual signals as well as warning shots, all of which were unsuccessful. Coalition forces acted in self-defense by engaging the vehicle with small arms fire.

After the vehicle stopped Coalition soldiers provided life-saving medical treatment to civilians in the vehicle. They were stabilized and taken to a Coalition medical facility for further treatment.

The injured civilians include the male driver of the vehicle who received a chest wound and a child with head injuries, both of whom were evacuated to a Coalition forces medical facility. A woman was also treated for minor injuries.

“We offer our condolences to those injured in this event,” said Col. Greg Julian, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesperson. “Our primary effort is to provide security for the Afghan population and we take every precaution to avoid civilian casualties in the course of our operations.”

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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force.  Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.

Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 93 (0) 707 355 965

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