A targeted Coalition Special Forces operation against the rogue Afghan National Army soldier suspected of killing Lance Corporal Andrew Jones last month has resulted in his death and the detention of a man believed to be his brother.
The operation occurred in Khowst Province overnight and was based on intelligence developed by Coalition and Afghan agencies since the shooting in Chora on 30 May.
Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said despite intentions to detain Shafied Ullah, his death could not be avoided after he posed a direct threat to the Coalition Special Forces team carrying out the mission.
“I understand from reporting received this morning that Shafied Ullah drew a pistol when confronted by the Coalition Special Forces team and was shot and killed,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“A man believed to be his brother was also detained in the operation and is now being questioned in an effort to further understand the motive behind the shooting of Lance Corporal Jones.”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the death of Shafied Ullah closed a chapter in the tragic death of Lance Corporal Andrew Jones.
“Across the Coalition and the Afghan National Security Forces, there has been tremendous efforts directed towards bringing the man suspected of the shooting to justice and for that support I personally thank General Petraeus and General Karimi,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“While it gives me no great pleasure that Shafied Ullah is dead, I am pleased that this man no longer poses a threat.
“The family of Lance Corporal Andrew Jones have been advised and they have requested that the media respect their privacy at this time.”
The investigation into the death of Lance Corporal Jones continues.
Afghan national army infiltrator killed in Khost
06.20.2011 KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led security force killed an Afghan national army soldier, who recently shot an Australian service member, during a security operation in Tanai District, Khost province, yesterday.
The Afghan soldier, Shafiea Ullah, killed one Australian service member, who had been working in support of mentoring efforts with the Afghan army, May 30 in Uruzgan province. The motive for the attack is unknown and Ullah had no affiliation with any insurgent networks.
The combined Afghan and coalition force originally set out to arrest Ullah after intelligence reports led them to his location. When the force arrived on scene, the soldier attempted to pull his pistol on them. Responding to his actions, the force engaged, killing him.
The force also detained several individuals believed to have assisted in his escape. Additionally, multiple grenades, AK-47 rifles and magazines were confiscated during the search.
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