CLARIFICATION OF REMARKS MADE AT TODAY’S DOD NEWS BRIEFING
July 15, 2002

Based on reports from U.S. forces who participated in operations near Deh Rawood, Afghanistan, on July 1, 2002, the AC-130 involved in the operation received fire from hostile forces. Personnel aboard the AC-130 also reported surface-to-air fire directed at them. U.S. ground forces also witnessed fire being directed at U.S. aircraft during the operation.

An investigation team, led by U.S. Air Force Brig.Gen. Anthony Przybyslawski, will begin work tomorrow to examine all the facts and available evidence surrounding the incident to determine what happened.