KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – An Afghan civilian was wounded after he inadvertently stepped on an insurgent’s improvised explosive device in the Maiwand district of southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, Feb. 23.
Members of the Afghan Local Police were the first to arrive at the scene of the incident and immediately began providing first aid to the victim.
Shortly after the ALP arrived, members of the Afghan National Army Special Forces arrived and provided further assistance. Afterward, the victim was medically evacuated to a nearby hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition.
According to reports by coalition special operations forces, the immediate response and prompt medical attention given by both the ALP and the ANASF not only saved his life, but prevented the victim from having his leg amputated.
“The report highlights another tragic event and example of insurgents’ tactics harming locals and their complete disregard for the safety of the Afghan people,” said a coalition special operations forces supervisor.
The ALP is a defensive, community-oriented unit that brings self-defense, government presence, and the opportunity for economic development to the rural areas of Afghanistan.