SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian special forces soldier died in Afghanistan after being found with a gunshot wound in an administrative building in Kabul, officials said Wednesday.
The soldier’s death did not appear to be combat-related, but the exact circumstances are unknown, Australian defense chief Air Marshal Mark Binskin said.
The soldier was found by his colleagues in the building on Tuesday, and was rushed to a medical center for treatment, Binskin said. He later died of his injuries.
The soldier’s family requested his name not be released.
“He was a highly qualified, experienced and well-respected special forces soldier,” Binskin said. “His death will impact the nation.”
Australia has ended combat operations in Afghanistan and withdrew about 1,000 troops in 2013, but still has around 400 troops there in advisory and training roles.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
