An Australian special forces soldier has been found dead in Afghanistan.

Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin says it’s believed to be a “non-combat related incident”.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the soldier from the Sydney-based Second Commando Unit was found in an administration building in Kabul with a gunshot wound.

The Australian Defence Force has offered its condolences to the family of the soldier.

“He was a highly-qualified, experienced and well-respected special forces soldier,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“His death will impact the nation.”

The ADF’s investigative service has begun collecting evidence from the site, he said.

“At this early stage we don’t have all the facts,” he said.

“I’m not in a position to speculate about the details or the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

He declined to reveal any personal details about the man, or say how many tours he had done in Afghanistan.

A psychological team has been deployed to assist the man’s colleagues.

Australia currently has about 400 defence personnel in Afghanistan.

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