Kiwis troops in Afghan shootout

Kiwi troops came under fire when they helped fight off a night attack on an Afghan police compound.

There were no casualties in the 15-minute firefight, which started when up to eight insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades and firearms at an Afghan National Police compound where the Kiwis were staying.

The group of about 10 infantrymen were in the compound at Do Abe, about 50 kilometres northeast of the Kiwi base in Bamiyan, when the shooting started about 8pm local time (3am yesterday NZ time), New Zealand joint force commander Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell said.

They returned fire at the insurgents, who were on a nearby hill, and called in allied aircraft support. The two jets did not drop bombs "it was a show of force to make the insurgents aware we had the ability to call in greater firepower should it be needed".

There were only about eight police at the compound and the Kiwis may have been crucial in fighting off the attack.

It was unclear how much damage was done to the compound but Air Vice Marshal Stockwell believed it was fortified and there was enough cover for the troops as they returned fire.

There was no sign that any of the insurgents were hit but if any were killed or injured they would have been dragged away. It was not clear whether the insurgents knew the Kiwis were at the compound.

This was the first firefight involving Kiwi provincial reconstruction teams, based in Bamiyan province since 2003, although other New Zealanders, including SAS troops, have been wounded in Afghanistan. Air Vice Marshal Stockwell said there was potential for increased activity in the leadup to Afghan elections in August. But the soldiers were well-trained and would continue to patrol and support local police.

The troops had gone to Do Abe to help Afghan police investigate recent bomb incidents in the area, targeting a co-ordination centre and the local mayor's office.

Prime Minister John Key said a review of New Zealand's commitment to Afghanistan was continuing.

MISSION AFGHANISTAN

New Zealand has had a 140-strong provincial reconstruction team in Bamiyan province since 2003.

Part of a large Nato-led international stabilisation force, their mission has been to patrol the rugged but relatively quiet region and provide security support for the Afghan National Police.

They have also helped in some local aid projects, including the establishment of a local university.

Units with as many as 65 elite SAS troops have also done three tours in Afghanistan since 2001 in support of coalition operations against the Taleban.

They have been awarded a US Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism and SAS Corporal Willie Apiata received a Victoria Cross for saving a colleague in 2004.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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