OTTAWA –The investigative arm of the Canadian Forces Military Police, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), has preliminary findings in its investigation into the February 23, 2009 incident, which resulted in the deaths of three Afghan children and wounded one.
Preliminary findings, based on the evidence collected, witness interviews and analysis of explosive residue by in-theatre explosives experts, determined that the device which caused the blast was most probably an unexploded anti-personnel improvised explosive device (IED) or mine not consistent with ammunition used by Canadian Forces (CF) personnel. The CFNIS is confident that further detailed analysis of the evidence by forensic laboratories will validate the preliminary findings.
Joint Task Force Afghanistan, CFNIS, Afghan National Security Forces, AUP and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials were advised on February 23, 2009 that two Afghan children had been killed and two wounded as a result of picking up explosive material. One of the wounded children later died of his injuries. The CFNIS, in conjunction with the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP), immediately initiated an investigation into the incident, as the CF had conducted a range practice the previous day, several hundred metres from the location of the incident.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is an independent Military Police unit with a mandate to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to National Defence property, Departmental employees and CF personnel serving in Canada and abroad.
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For more information about the CFNIS, go to http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2824
Media Contact:
Captain Paule Poulin
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
613-949-1022
