FAMILIES of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan have been receiving hoax calls that their loved ones have been wounded or killed. This week a hoax call was received by the family of a Darwin-based First Combat Engineering Regiment soldier who is currently deployed overseas, the NT News reported.
The disgraceful prank call followed separate Improvised Explosive Device attacks in Afghanistan which injured two Top End troops on Sunday. A source said the hoax phone calls had been occurring for at least the past three weeks and included emails that were "anti-Australian military".
Australian Defence Force spokeswoman Sue Taylor said the Army was aware of hoax calls being made to the families of deployed soldiers ....
"The matter has been referred to the civilian authorities," Ms Taylor told the NT News.
Darwin Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Matt Pearse told family members legitimate callers would identify their loved one by name and rank.
"If you receive a suspected hoax call please report it immediately to local police," he said. "We're establishing protocols whereby the serious wounding of a soldier will now be notified by face-to-face visit with the primary emergency contact."
Friends of troops deployed to Afghanistan have written on a social network page dedicated to the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, saying the hoax calls were upsetting and distressing ....
