Norwegian ISAF soldier killed in rocket attack

News 24/05/2004 - NATO Statement on attack in Afghanistan 24/05/2004 - SHAPE ISAF Press Conference - opening statement by Lt. Gen. Hillier & QA

Photo ISAF

KABUL, Afghanistan -- At approximately 8:35 p.m. May 23, three rockets, believed to be rocket-propelled grenades were fired at a Norwegian patrol of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

One Norwegian soldier was killed in the attack. A second Norwegian soldier was injured slightly.

The rockets appear to have been fired from a distance of 30 meters.

One firing point has been discovered though it is unknown if all three projectiles were fired from one location. A hand grenade and a rocket grenade were recovered at the firing point.

The lead vehicle in was hit by a single round. A second round missed its target while a third round failed to detonate.

The Kabul Multi National Brigade of ISAF responded with quick reaction forces including land, air, medical and an explosive ordnance disposal team.

ISAF forces detained two local nationals who were subsequently handed over
to the Kabul police at the scene. However, follow-on investigations suggest these two were not involved in the incident.

At approximately 11 p.m., there were three secondary explosions at the scene
of the incident. The cause of these explosions has yet to be confirmed.

"When I took command of ISAF on Feb. 9 of this year, I made a commitment to
those present at the ceremony representing the contributing nations -- every
nation which had contributed its sons and daughters to this worthy cause for peace," said Canadian Army Lt. Gen. Rick Hiller, ISAF Commander. "That
commitment was that I would make their soldiers -- their sons and daughters
-- my own. I realized I was entrusted with their care and it was a trust
taken most seriously. "

Lt. Gen. Hillier went on to say, "This [incident] makes us realize yet again that Afghanistan is a dangerous place. A tiny minority of people, for their own purposes, want to prevent the continued increase of security and stability in Kabul and the rest of this country. Those murderers want a return to death and destruction, and they want to victimize the millions who want the opposite -- peace, security, and the chance for something resembling a normal life, if not for them, then at least for their children."

"Unfortunately, helping those who need and deserve it has come at a huge
cost, but we know that this sacrifice is not in vain. The tragic loss of our soldier does not lessen our resolve to complete this mission for the benefit of millions of men, women and children. We are here to help them and we remain firm in our resolve to do so."

Lt. Col. Robert Flatli, acting commander of ISAF's Norwegian contingent, confirmed this resolve. "The Norwegian contingent is committed to its mission and as such, has resumed normal patrols today," said Flatli.

He also added that all the Norwegian soldiers of ISAF, some 231, had been
debriefed on the attack. He began by expressing his most sincere condolences to the family, friends and comrades of the soldier murdered in this attack.

Lt. Gen. Hillier also expressed his condolences to the Norwegian soldiers and the Norwegian people. "We grieve for your son," he said. "We will help return him with honour to Norway, and we will remember him with respect for the impact that he had in this devastated country."