Five Service Members Wounded in Afghan Ambush


 * By Gerry Gilmore
 * American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2002 – Five service members were wounded over the weekend in an ambush in eastern Afghanistan, according to U.S. Central Command officials.

The five Americans came under enemy small arms fire July 27 during a reconnaissance mission about 12 kilometers east of Khowst. Initial reports indicated that two Afghanistan Militia Force soldiers died in the ambush.

The U.S. soldiers were trying to confirm suspicious activity in the area noted by U.S. intelligence, said Army Maj. Gary Tallman, Combined Joint Task Force 180 spokesman in Afghanistan. Some of the wounded were taken to Bagram Air Base for medical treatment; others, more seriously wounded, were flown to Germany.

One soldier taken to Germany is still in serious condition, he said, while the other four are expected to return to duty after treatment.

The names of the wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.