Military

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

July 31, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-93


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


THREE INCIDENTS IN KABUL AREA THURSDAY

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan - U.S. military police fired into an Afghan taxi today wounding three Afghan males about 1:15 p.m. A two-vehicle MP convoy attempted to enter Gate 1 at Task Force Phoenix but the gate was closed due to previously discovered unexploded ordnance in the area. The MP vehicles continued on Jalalabad Road toward Gate 3 when they were approached from behind by a taxi driving aggressively. The MPs attempted to wave off the taxi, but the taxi continued to aggressively approach the convoy. An MP in the rear vehicle fired into the grill of the taxi with an M-16 rifle. When the taxi did not back off, the MP fired into the taxi. The taxi struck the rear of the MP vehicle when the MP vehicle stopped. Two Afghans were taken to the ISAF hospital and the third victim was treated at the scene.

Earlier, a two vehicle CJTF180 Civil Affairs convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device about 10 a.m. The convoy was about 26 kilometers Southwest of Kabul en route to a school project when it was hit by the devices. Three separate explosive devices apparently activated by remote control struck both vehicles. One vehicle was disabled. No personnel were wounded in the IED attack. No enemy personnel were seen at the attack location.

Unexploded ordnance was discovered by ISAF security at 7:15 a.m. near the front gate of the Task Force Phoenix compound East of Kabul. The gate was closed temporarily while the ISAF explosive ordnance disposal removed the ordnance.

All of the incidents are under investigation.

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