R.I.P. Sgt. Andrew Joseph Doiron

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed by friendly fire in Iraq

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canadia...iraq-1.2268817
A Canadian soldier has been killed and three others injured in a friendly fire incident in Iraq, the Department of National Defence said Saturday.
Sgt. Andrew Joseph Doiron was killed Friday, after members of the Canadian Forces were mistakenly engaged by Iraqi Kurdish fighters, the department said in a statement. Doiron was from the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, based out of Garrison Petawawa in Ontario.
Three other members were injured in the incident and are receiving medical care.
According to the department, Canadian Special Forces were mistakenly engaged by Iraqi Kurdish forces following their return to an observation post behind the front lines.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered condolences to Doiron's family Saturday afternoon.
"On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Doiron," Harper said in a statement.
"This tragic incident reminds us of the very real risks that our brave men and women in uniform assume on our behalf to defend the freedoms that we cherish."
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson said the death of Doiron would be widely felt across the military.
“A soldier and a warrior, Sergeant Doiron was a consummate professional appreciated by all," he said in the statement.
"His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I am grateful for his service and dedication. He will be missed.”
Canadian soldiers are in Iraq as part of an international coalition dedicated to fighting the extremist militant group ISIS.
About 600 Canadian military personnel were committed to Operation IMPACT for a six-month period, which is set to expire next month. About 69 special forces were sent to specifically help train Iraqi Kurdish fighters.
Government officials have been hinting the mission may be extended, promising that the House of Commons will debate and vote on the matter first, CTV News' Omar Sachedina said.
"Certainly the fact that this one Canadian soldier was killed casts a very dark shadow, as Canada appears set to extend its involvement in Iraq," he said.
The House will resume on Monday, following a break last week.