Two Kiwis dead, six wounded in Afghanistan

5 Aug 2012, 3:14 pm   -   Source: AAP

Two New Zealanders have been killed and six wounded in Afghanistan's Bamyan province, the NZ Defence Force says.

RELATED

Tributes are flowing for two New Zealand soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan's Bamyan province.

Six wounded NZ soldiers, three of whom are in a serious condition, are being treated in military hospitals.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones told a briefing in Auckland on Sunday that one of the soldiers killed on Saturday was in an armoured vehicle hit by a rocket while the other was shot by a rifle or a machine gun.

One died immediately and the other died in a helicopter while being evacuated.

Prime Minister John Key led tributes to the soldiers.

"It's with enormous sadness that I acknowledge that these soldiers have paid the highest price," he said.

"This brings the total number of New Zealand soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to seven."

He said three of the wounded soldiers were seriously injured, but in a stable condition, and three others suffered moderate injuries.

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team had gone to the aid of local security forces fighting suspected insurgents near a village south of Do Abe about 7pm NZT (5pm AEST) on Saturday.

The insurgents moved into a building and the New Zealanders were asked to fire on the building and secure the area.

They were attacked as they were moving to secure the high ground.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) won't name the dead and wounded for 24 hours to give their families time to grieve.

Australia and the US have offered assistance and it's hoped the bodies will be returned home next week.

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, a former NZDF chief, said the two soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and the six injured were part of a team that had worked tirelessly and consistently to bring peace and stability to the province.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman offered his condolences to the families.

"Our thoughts are especially with the families of those who died, and the families of those who were wounded," he said.

"The work the NZDF undertake in this region is dangerous and they have been well trained to respond to these incidents."

Labour leader David Shearer said it was a tragedy, particularly as the New Zealand operation in Afghanistan was winding down.

"These guys are doing their duty for the country. They have done a great job and our hearts are with the families," he told TVNZ.

New Zealand has previously announced its intention to withdraw from Bamyan in 2013, a year earlier than intended.

Mr Key said there were no plans to change the withdrawal date.

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube