MEDIA ADVISORY: CJTF-82 releases video from insurgent grenade attack on Afghan civilians

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Combined Joint Task Force-82 has released video of a deadly insurgent grenade attack that killed one and wounded many others June 9 in Asadabad, the provincial capital of Kunar in eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition forces were attempting to free a vehicle that had become stuck when an unknown person threw the grenade, which caused the death and injuries.

The video shows the Soldiers with the crowd, the explosion and the crowd dissipating shortly thereafter. The U.S. Soldiers were clearly focused on the recovery of the vehicle when the blast occurred. This video directly disputes the claims by Umranullah, a local shop keeper, and Asadullah Roya, an education official who reported the U.S. service members had thrown the grenade. 

Three coalition troops and five innocent Afghan citizens were confirmed as wounded in the blast, with as many as 54 reportedly injured. Those injured were treated by coalition forces at the scene, and then transported to military and civilian care facilities.

Investigators reviewing evidence found at the scene determined the grenade was Russian-made. Experts analyzed fragments of the device found in the area of the explosion to reach that conclusion.

“This was a clear attack on U.S. service members by the insurgents, who have no concern for the well-being of Afghan civilians,” said Army Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, a spokesman for CJTF-82 and Regional Command-East at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.  

To download the video for broadcast purposes, visit: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=62086