Canadian soldier killed by IED blast in Afghanistan
Updated Sun. Mar. 2 2008 7:05 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A 25-year-old Canadian soldier has been killed in Afghanistan after his armoured vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device.
The soldier has been identified as Trooper Michael Yuki Hayakaze, of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), based out of Edmonton, Alta.
He had been serving in Afghanistan since July or August and was nearing the end of his tour.
"Our comrade died in the service of his country. His sacrifice will not be forgotten and his memory will be with us as we continue to carry out our mission, with the same determination and resolve to see it through," Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche said at a news conference at Kandahar Airfield.
The IED blast occurred at 3:45 p.m. local time. No other Canadian soldiers were injured.
Hayakaze was taking part in a re-supply mission and his convoy was travelling through the Mushan region, located in the volatile Panjwaii district, about 45 kilometres west of Kandahar City.
CTV's Paul Workman told Newsnet that the area has been plagued by roadside bombs.
"It's a very dangerous place for Canadian soldiers," Workman said Sunday from the Kandahar Air Field base.
The area has been the source of many roadside bombings in the past, "and another one today," he said.
Hayakaze was evacuated from the area by helicopter and taken to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield, but he died from his injuries on arrival.
Canada has lost 79 members of its military in Afghanistan since 2002. One diplomat has also been killed, along with one civilian aid worker.
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