MacDill AFB, Fla. (Nov. 28, 2011) – The commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. James N. Mattis, has directed an investigation into the incident near the Salala Checkpoint, Khas Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in the vicinity of the Pakistan border on Nov. 25, which inflicted casualties on Pakistan military personnel.

General Mattis has appointed Brig. Gen. Stephen Clark from Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla., as the Investigating Officer. The inquiry will be CENTCOM-led with the support, cooperation and involvement of a NATO element on the investigation team.

Additionally, the investigation team has been directed to include input and participation from the International Security Assistance Force. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Government of Pakistan will be invited to participate. It is USCENTCOM’s intent to include these government representatives to the maximum extent possible to determine what happened and preclude it from happening again.

The investigation team will focus their efforts on the facts of the incident and any matters that facilitate a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries of the Pakistan forces.