Military

Two U.S. Soldiers Wounded While Patrolling in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2004 - Two U.S. soldiers were wounded when their patrol reported taking small-arms fire northeast of Shinkay in Zabul province Dec. 18.

Both soldiers were evacuated immediately, a military spokesman for Combined Forces Command Afghanistan said during a news conference from the Afghan capital of Kabul today. They were in stable condition, awaiting transport to a U.S. medical facility in Germany.

In other news, Afghan citizens turned in two more weapons caches to security forces Dec. 19, the spokesman said.

One local citizen led a coalition patrol to a cache in Uruzgan province that contained three rifles, ammunition and blasting caps used to make explosive devices.

Another local citizen in Paktia province led an Afghan National Army patrol to a cache that contained 101 60 mm mortar rounds, 80 60 mm mortar fuses, 192 charges and two devices used to sight and aim mortars for firing.

Also, according to the spokesman, the U.S. Army OH-58 helicopter that crashed Dec. 16 originated from Shindand Airfield in Herat province. It was test firing its weapons away from populated areas in preparation for a routine patrol mission.

Both pilots remain in stable condition and their injuries are not life threatening, the spokesman said.

There was no indication that this aircraft was brought down by hostile fire, however, an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the crash.

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