Former Afghan National Army sergeant Hekmatullah was captured by PakistanÂ’s Inter-Services Intelligence in February and recently deported to Afghanistan, Defense Force Chief Lt. Gen. David Hurley said.
“Overnight, he was deported to Afghanistan where he is expected to face trial” charged with three murders, Hurley said in a statement.
“We have been relentless and determined in our efforts to pursue those who have murdered and wounded our people,” he added.
Hekmatullah allegedly fired 10 to 15 shots within a patrol base north of the Australian military headquarters at Tarin Kowt on Aug. 29. He is accused of killing three Australian soldiers and wounding another two as they were playing cards, then fleeing.
An Australian Defense Department inquiry said last week that security before the attack was too weak given the Afghan armyÂ’s open access to the administration area where the shooting occurred and the Australian soldiersÂ’ relaxed disposition. Many Australians were not wearing body armour.
|