NZ Forces involved in exchange of gunfire in Afgha

[vgp]

NZ Forces involved in exchange of gunfire in Afghanistan

24 June 2009

A patrol from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) in Afghanistan was involved in an exchange of gunfire against insurgents who were targeting an Afghanistan National Police (ANP) compound overnight.

The NZPRT patrol was in the compound conducting liaison with the ANP. There were no New Zealand or ANP casualties.

The patrol was in Do Abe, 50km North East of Kiwi Base in Bamyan, with the ANP after a recent improvised explosive device (IED) detonation at the local government official’s office.

The exchange of gunfire, lasting about 15 minutes, involved small arms and rocket propelled grenades from an estimated six to eight unidentified insurgents.

The NZPRT patrol and the ANP returned fire. Coalition air support was requested by Kiwi Base in Bamyan and two aircraft conducted an over-flight of the location shortly after the engagement. The insurgents withdrew from their fire positions, ending the contact.

There are no casualties reported to NZPRT or ANP personnel, or local civilians.

The New Zealanders are now working with the ANP to ensure that security is maintained.

ENDS

www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20090624-nzfiieogia.htm

[nige]

Fortunately no casualties but it seems to me what could have been practical for NZ to have (or in association with its allies) would be some UAV's based with the NZPRT which could have tracked the insurgents. Perhaps they could be armed UAV's (or if they weren't armed i.e. just survellience UAV's) then perhaps it could be a matter of calling in a second, coalition asset to take out the insurgents.