Aussie soldier wounded in Afghanistan

An Australian soldier has been wounded in Afghanistan after his patrol was fired
upon by insurgents.
The soldier was airlifted to Tarin Kowt and is in a satisfactory condition.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan Province.
The 1st Mentoring Task Force and Afghan National Army patrol was on foot at the time
of the attack.
Commander of the Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell,
said the soldier, who has undergone surgery, was in good spirits despite his wound.
He was wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire during the attack.
"Insurgents fired at the patrol as they moved through the complex terrain of the
Mirabad Valley," Major General Cantwell said.
The patrol provided suppressing fire at the insurgents as the wounded soldier was
moved to safety for initial treatment before he was evacuated by air.
However, the enemy forces then relocated and re-engaged with small arms fire.
"The patrol quickly identified the new firing position and again suppressed the
insurgent fire," Major General Cantwell said.
"The accuracy of the patrol's fire forced the insurgents to retreat and they were
seen moving away from the fighting."
The latest casualty brings the number of Australian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan
this year to 20.