Canada in Afghanistan

[John McGillivray]

Two Canadian aid workers killed in 'cowardly' attack
Updated Wed. Aug. 13 2008 3:32 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian, British-Canadian dual-citizen and an American-Trinidadian -- all female aid workers -- were killed in a "cowardly" attack Wednesday in Afghanistan along with an Afghan driver, according to the International Rescue Committee.
A second Afghani driver was critically wounded in the attack. The 30-year-old man has been hospitalized.
"Our hearts are broken, I don't have words for the extent of sorrow and sympathy we feel for their families and we are absolutely outraged and condemn in the strongest possible terms this cowardly senseless, brutal attack," Michael Kocher, IRC's vice-president of international programs, told CTV Newsnet Wednesday.
The women were working for the New York-based IRC, a group which provides emergency relief and rehabilitation and defends human rights in countries recovering from war.
They were travelling through Logar province towards Kabul in a clearly marked IRC vehicle when they were attacked by armed militants, the organization said. Logar province is south of the Afghan capital.
Kocher said that his organization had not received any specific threats.
"Afghanistan is a dangerous place . . . and it's been getting more dangerous over the last year," he said.
Three of the victims' names have been released by the IRC.
Jacqueline Kirk, 40, of Outremont, Quebec
Nicole Dial, 32, an American-Trinidadian
Mohammad Aimal, 25, the Afghan driver
The Canadian woman's name is not being released at this time at the request of her parents. She was believed to have been about 30-years-old.
Kirk was born in Britain. She had arrived to the area to provide technical assistance but wasn't permanently based in Afghanistan, said Michael Kocher, IRC's vice-president of international programs.
Kirk had been an education program advisor for the IRC since July of 2007 and had been involved with the organization for years.
"She was utterly compassionate, she was giving, she was courageous and she was very, very good at her work," he said.
The unnamed Canadian had been in the country for less than a year, he said. Dial arrived just a few months ago.
Both women were in Afghanistan to help with education and children's programs. Kocher said they were experienced in their field of work, having worked in other parts of the world.
The slain Afghan driver had worked with the IRC for five years.
"We are stunned and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss," George Rupp, president of the IRC said in a statement.
"These extraordinary individuals were deeply committed to aiding the people of Afghanistan, especially the children who have seen so much strife. Words are inadequate to express our sympathy for the families and loved ones of the victims and our devoted team of humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan."
The IRC said it has suspended humanitarian aid work in Afghanistan indefinitely following the attack. The group has been working in the country for 20 years.
Kai Eide, the United Nations' top official in Kabul, called it a "cowardly attack."
Canadian foreign affairs officials were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
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