Afghanistan shooting prompts investigation

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- An investigation is under way in Afghanistan after Australian troops were involved in a shooting incident Tuesday that resulted in the death of an Afghan man.

The shooting incident occurred while the Australian soldiers were on an operation supporting the ongoing international mentoring and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan, the Australian Ministry of Defense reported.

Officials say a suspicious man was shot and killed following alleged attempts by Australian soldiers who called on the man to halt his approach toward the soldiers.

"Initial indications are that the response by the patrol was appropriate to the situation and in accordance with their training and escalation of force procedures," the release said.

As a result of the shooting, Australian military protocols require an investigation into the incident.