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Vehicles used by the NZPRT in Afghanistan - Source: ONE News -
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There has been a shooting incident involving New Zealand troops in Afghanistan.
The Defence Force says a patrol from the provincial reconstruction team in the Bamyan Province was attacked by a group of insurgents using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.
None of the Kiwi soldiers were injured in the gunfight, but a number of vehicles sustained damage.
The soldiers were engaged on more than one occasion throughout the incident and the patrol returned fire.
Coalition air support was activated and two helicopter gunships engaged the insurgents.
Supporting New Zealand patrols moved to assist and all defence force personnel were able to move to a safe location.
The soldiers have returned to Kiwi Base and are preparing for their next task.
Green MP Keith Locke says the attack is concerning given Bamyan Province has been a reasonably peaceful area with the Hazara people supportive of work done by our forces.
But he doesn't think the incident should result in our mission being withdrawn.
Locke says they should continue the good work they're doing but efforts should be made to get a political solution to the conflict do reconstruction work can continue in peace.
The provincial reconstruction team has been in Bamyan Province since September 2003, supporting the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, Afghan National Police and the district sub-governors.
The team promotes security and stability in the region, as well
as identifying and project managing various NZAID reconstruction
tasks, and distributing Humanitarian Aid.
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