NEWS RELEASE

International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan

Committed to the security, reconstruction and extension of governance in Afghanistan

2009-158

Afghan civilian injured in convoy incident in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (February 18) - An Afghan civilian was injured in an incident involving a vehicle and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) on Route 1 in Helmand Province Feb. 17.

An ISAF convoy was travelling along Route 1 in Washir District when one of its vehicles became separated from the main convoy. After witnessing what an individual perceived to be hostile driving actions from a vehicle, his crew employed signals to alert the vehicle of their presence before firing warning shots and then disabling shots.

Shortly after the ISAF convoy arrived at its destination, an injured civilian was brought to the ISAF base by Afghan National Army soldiers. The civilian was assessed to have suffered wounds from small arms fire and was treated at the scene before being medically evacuated by helicopter to an ISAF hospital in Helmand Province and is in a stable condition. This incident is the subject of an ongoing investigation and if appropriate, individuals will be held to account for their actions.

ISAF deeply regrets any incident where civilians are injured. ISAF service members are trained to take every precaution they can to avoid incidents like this. Reparation will be made for damage caused.

ISAF is here to assist the government of Afghanistan in providing a better way of life for the Afghan people.

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Notes for Editors:

1. More information on the International Security Assistance Force can be found here <http://www.nato.int/isaf>

2. The latest broadcast quality video imagery of ISAF operations can be downloaded here <http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=general/general_search.php&table=video&query=isaf&type=>

3. The latest High Resolution stills can be downloaded for news purposes here <http://www.flickr.com/photos/29456680@N06/>

4. If you cannot access these hyperlinks please contact this office

Issued by Headquarters ISAF Public Affairs Office â—¦ E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone] â—¦ Mobile: [phone]

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