Military

September 13, 2002

OTTAWA - The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Defence, released today the final report from the Tarnak Farm Board of Inquiry (BOI) that investigated the April 17 incident that resulted in the death of four and injuries to eight Canadian soldiers serving with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) Battle Group in Afghanistan.

The final report contains details surrounding the incident and provides supporting information that enabled the Board to reach its conclusions. The executive summary of the report was released to the public on June 28, 2002.

"I am satisfied that information released in the final report balances the need of Canadians to know what happened with operational security issues that could potentially threaten the safety of coalition forces in Afghanistan," said Minister McCallum. "We had a very good working relationship with American authorities throughout the entire process and were extremely impressed with the co-operation we received."

"The Board's final report is comprehensive and provides an in-depth look at the events of that tragic day," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "I am satisfied with the excellent and thorough work completed by General (retired) Maurice Baril and members of the BOI."

The final report can be found on the DND website at www.vcds.forces.gc.ca/boi/intro_e.htm. Portions of the report could not be released for reasons of privacy and operational security.

Note to Editors: The CIB final report can be found on the Central Command website at: www.centcom.mil

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