PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Defense, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
U.S. Forces Afghanistan
February 15, 2009
Release Number: 20091502-02
Afghan contractor killed by IED in Oruzgan Province
KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan contractor was killed by an Improvised explosive device just before Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces were attacked by insurgents during a patrol in the Shaheed Hasas district of Oruzgan Province, Feb. 14. The district is located approximately 140 km north of Kandahar.
ANSF and Coalition forces were on their way to conduct a shura with local leaders when their vehicle struck an IED, resulting in the death of one local national contractor.
After the explosion, the patrol was attacked by multiple insurgents using small-arms and machine-gun fire. The combined force responded with, small-arms and mortar fire, and close-air support, killing several insurgents.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the contractor," said Major Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, Chief spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defense. "Afghan National Security Forces will continue its mission to remove the insurgents and increase the security of Afghanistan."
No additional ANSF, Coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported
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Contact information:
Ministry of Defense, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Press office telephone: 93 (0) 20 210 2742
US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs, office telephone: 93 (0) 799 51 2919