NZ soldier injured in Afghan bomb blast

A NZ Defence Force member has been injured in a bomb attack in Afghanistan after the vehicle his patrol was travelling in was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D).

The blast happened in Bamyan Province, the same area as an earlier incident in March.

The injured person was treated at the scene for a minor cut to the face and there were no other injuries.

Defence Force spokesperson Commander Shaun Fogarty said an investigation into the attack would be carried out.

"The area in which the patrol took place is known for having tribal and criminal tensions between different groups and as a result the patrol was larger than normal. Currently NZDF personnel remain at the site of the IED awaiting the arrival of an investigation team who'll examine the site," Commander Fogarty said.

"The NZDF is constantly reviewing the security status of the area, and the possibility of any increased threat. This incident is another reminder that we can't be complacent."

The 140-strong NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) is tasked with assisting in security and reconstruction in Bamyan Province.

The New Zealand Defence Force currently has around 595 personnel involved in 15 operations and deployments around the world.

- NZ HERALD STAFF