Canadian soldier dies in Afghanistan ambush
Updated Tue. May. 6 2008 4:27 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier has been killed and another wounded after their patrol was ambushed by the Taliban outside Kandahar on Tuesday.
Cpl. Michael Starker, of the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, was pronounced dead in a military hospital on Tuesday after his patrol was ambushed during a patrol in the Pashmul region of Zhari district in Afghanistan.
CTV's Paul Workman told Newsnet on Tuesday from Kandahar that a second Canadian soldier was wounded but is in fair condition.
Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, says the wounded soldier is being treated in hospital at Kandahar Airfield and was able to call his family on his own.
The military has not released the name of the wounded soldier.
The soldiers were part of a civil-military co-operation unit that travels into villages to meet with Afghan locals and try to develop rapport.
"The intent was to exchange with the population -- something we could not do last year," said Laroche.
"We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."
The Canadian soldiers came under fire at about 11:45 a.m. local time while on patrol in the Pashmul region, a hotly contested area since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar.
Afghan security forces pursued the insurgents after the attack.
"There have been very few of these ambushes as of late. Most of the Canadians who have been killed in Afghanistan have been killed by roadside bombs," Workman said.
Laroche, who heads Canada's military mission in Afghanistan, said the army will review procedures in the wake of this incident.
"We have lost a fine soldier today and our thoughts are with his family and friends. He died helping Afghans build a better future for themselves and their children. His dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten," the general said.
Canada's last death in Afghanistan came on April 4. Pte. Terry John Street -- of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. -- died when a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle in the Panjwaii district.
Tuesday's death brings Canada's total military deaths in Afghanistan to 83 since 2002.
Canada has 2,500 soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The military mission is scheduled to end in December 2011.
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