PRESS RELEASE
U.S. Forces Afghanistan
January 4, 2009
Release Number 20090401-02
Three Afghans wounded at police checkpoint
KABUL, Afghanistan – Three Afghans were wounded at a police checkpoint in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar on Jan. 1 when the vehicle they were traveling in failed to stop when warned. The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m.
The vehicle approached the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. A warning shot into the front of the vehicle deflected and struck the driver in the foot. When the vehicle did not stop, a second warning shot was fired, injuring two passengers.
All three injured Afghans were treated at the scene and medically evacuated from the site for further treatment.
The injuries received were not life-threatening and injured are reported in stable condition. “Coalition forces do their best to prevent injuries to the Afghan people and provide medical care when incidents like this happen,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces spokesperson. “We will investigate the incident and review our warning procedures to ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect the Afghan people.’
The incident is under investigation.
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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 0093 (0) 788 189 049
USFOR-A-MediaRelations@afghan.swa.army.mil