Canada in Afghanistan

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

RIP...

Department of National Defence

Jan 23, 2008 23:18 ET
DND: Canadian Soldier Killed-Two Others Wounded in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 23, 2008) - At approximately 1:40 p.m. local time (in Kandahar) today, one Canadian soldier who was part of a convoy was killed when the armoured vehicle he was in struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED), 35 km South-West of Kandahar City. Two Canadian soldiers were also injured.

The family of the deceased soldier have been advised but at their request, the name of the soldier is being temporarily withheld.

The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. They are in good condition and have returned to duty. They have completed next of kin self-notification.

As we have seen in recent weeks, Joint Operations in Panjwayi are re-asserting coalition presence and disrupting insurgents' activities in areas known to be insurgent strongholds. This activity is generating a response from the Taliban mostly in the form of their weapon of choice - Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

We have lost a fine Canadian today, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this brave soldier.

NOTE TO EDITORS: As per normal procedure the identity of the injured soldiers will not be released.

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