Press Release
United States Forces Afghanistan
March 8,
2009
Release Number: 20090803-01
Two Afghan policemen killed in
friendly-fire incident
KABUL, Afghanistan – During an operation to
disrupt Taliban senior leadership and suicide attack networks in Kapisa
Province, two Afghan National Policemen were killed when they engaged a combined
Afghan and Coalition Force patrolling in Kapisa Province late March 6.
During a joint operation in Tagab District, Kapisa Province,
approximately 60 km northeast of Kabul, Afghan special operations forces and
Coalition Forces were conducting a ground movement to their targeted
location. During this patrol, the force was maneuvered on by several
individuals. Knowing a police check point was nearby, the combined force
suspected the individuals may be Afghan policemen and used various methods to
identify itself as a friendly force. Despite these efforts, which included
having an interpreter and Afghan SOF engage the individuals in Pashtu, the ANP
regrettably were undeterred and fired on the patrol. In self-defense, the
patrol returned fire killing two individuals.
The local ANP commander
confirmed two Afghan policemen were killed during the engagement.
The
incident is under review.
“We sincerely regret the loss of life of our
friendly forces and we are continually working with our Afghan partners to
prevent situations like this from happening in the future,” said U.S. Forces
Afghanistan Spokesman, Col. Greg Julian. “I am truly saddened by this loss
and wish to express my regrets to the families of the policemen killed in this
incident.”
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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
Primary: Tel +93 (0) 799 51
2919
Alternate: Tel +93 (0) 707 355
965
USFOR-A-MediaRelations@afghan.swa.army.mil