Official confirmation that peacekeeper was wounded by own fire
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The ballistic tests performed at Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have confirmed that the Finnish soldier wounded in Afghanistan was struck by three bullets fired from two Finnish RK 95 assault rifles of his fellow soldiers.
Two of the bullets were stopped by his body armour that was augmented with additional protective plates, while the third hit beneath the vest, seriously injuring the soldier.
The general outline of the events has already been made clear, while a number of details will have to be looked into and the process could take weeks, reports the head of the investigations Jussi Voutilainen.
It is not known as yet, whether or not any written command concerning the exercise was given. "We will examine the chain of events in order to find out whether or not the exercise has been carried out according to regulations", Voutilainen noted.
While the peacekeepers who were involved in the night-movement exercise in the Aybak District in Northern Afghanistan some weeks ago were expressing criticism of shortages of equipment, Vesa Kangasmäki from the Defence Forces reported that additional specialised Kevlar bullet-proof vests have been ordered, and they will be delivered at the end of November.
Yesterday, the Chair of the Grand Committee of the Finnish Parliament Jari Vilén (National Coalition Party) urged Minister of Defence Seppo Kääriäinen (Centre) to supply a report on the situation of the Finnish peacekeepers.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 27.10.2006 - TODAY |
 Official confirmation that peacekeeper was wounded by own fire
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