Fed: Aust troops in Iraq remove armour from ASLAVs

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2005
Fed: Aust troops in Iraq remove armour from ASLAVs

Australian troops in southern Iraq have removed a protective grill from their light-armoured
vehicles because they're worried about the damage it would cause in a collision with an
Iraqi car.

The extra armour was fitted recently following concerns the 13-tonne vehicles were
inadequately protected.

The metal grill bolted to the outside of the vehicles is designed to protect against
attacks by rocket-propelled grenades.

But the Commander of Australian forces Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble says it's been
unbolted and left in the carpark at the Australian base.

He says troops must assess dangers all the time, and they've decided the risk of a
road accident is higher than the risk of being attacked.

AAP RTV mb/bk/ea

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)

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