Canada in Afghanistan

[John McGillivray]

Seven Canadian soldiers injured in two IED attacks
Updated Thu. Jan. 17 2008 9:41 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Seven Canadian soldiers suffered minor injuries in two incidents Wednesday, both involving suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The incidents mark the latest in a string of roadside bomb attacks against Canadian soldiers.
The first incident Wednesday occurred at 12:05 p.m. local time in the Panjwaii district, about 35 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.
The second incident took place at 2:45 p.m. local time in the same area, during the patrol operation called Teng Azem (Steadfast).
The soldiers were evacuated by chopper to hospital and six of the seven injured have since been released.
On Tuesday, Trooper Richard Renaud, of Alma, Que., was killed in southern Afghanistan when his Coyote armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb. Another soldier was injured in the incident.
On Monday, another IED blast rocked Panjwaii district but resulted only in property damage.
Last weekend, four soldiers were injured southwest of Kandahar city when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb.
Since 2002, 78 Canadian military personnel have died in Afghanistan, along with a Canadian diplomat. Most of the deaths have been the result of IED attacks.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...=SEAfghanistan

[John McGillivray]

R.I.P.

Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan, 2 injured
Updated Wed. Jan. 23 2008 10:29 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier was killed and two others slightly injured Wednesday when their light armoured vehicle triggered a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
The slain soldier's identity has been withheld at the request of the family.
The group was driving through the volatile Panjwaii district Wednesday afternoon on a road clearance operation, officials said.
They struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) about 35 kilometres southeast of Kandahar City at 1:40 p.m. local time.
The two injured soldiers have since been released from hospital.
The Manley panel report released Tuesday recommended that NATO provide troops with medium-lift helicopters. Analysts consider travelling by air much safer than by ground in southern Afghanistan, where the majority of Canadian casualties have been caused by roadside bombs.
Including Wednesday's death, 78 Canadian military personnel and one diplomat have died in Afghanistan since 2002.
More to come...

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[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.

For more information, please contact
Information: 613-996-2353/54
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.dnd.ca

[John McGillivray]

Here is an interesting slide presentation from the CBC showing the type of operations now being conducted in Afghanistan.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/photogallerie...ine/index.html

[sapper740]

Originally posted by John McGillivray
Here is an interesting slide presentation from the CBC showing the type of operations now being conducted in Afghanistan.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/photogallerie...ine/index.html

I thoroughly enjoyed watching our boys in action, God bless them all. Thanks for the link John. I wonder if logistics are a problem over there? There wouldn't be a problem with the Canadians and Ghurkas sharing ammunition should the need arise but I noticed the A.N.A. soldiers carrying belts of 7.62X54R, presumably for their DPM's and their AK's (didn't notice if they were 47's or 74's) fire another round altogether. At least the Canadian C7/C8/C9 all fire the same round.

Highway of Heroes slide show

http://rburke.googlepages.com/Hros2.pps

[John McGillivray]

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.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Frank L.]

All I can say is the Panzer Sqn of LdSH that I'll be going over with many are having a hard time with the passing of Tpr Hayakaze.

The news was passed on to us as we were getting ready to fly out the next day.

I didn't know him, but felt like I was kicked in the nutz when I heard the news.

Literally days from going home.

RIP Tpr Hayakaze

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier found dead in Kandahar Airfield
Updated Tue. Mar. 11 2008 7:27 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Military officials say a Canadian soldier has been found dead in Kandahar Airfield, but that his death is "not related to combat."
The soldier has been identified as Bombardier Jeremie Ouellet, 22, of the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, based in Shilo, Man.
Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche told reporters that the soldier was found at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in an accommodation room.
"The Canadian Forces national investigation service has initiated an investigation to establish the details and circumstances of this tragic incident," he said. "As a result, no other details can be provided at this time."
Ouellet, born in Matane, Que, had arrived at the base within the past two weeks.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Bombadier Ouellet," said Laroche. "Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to his family and colleagues."
Canada has now lost 80 military personnel in the war-torn country since 2002, along with one diplomat and a civilian aid worker.
The latest death comes as the Canadian government prepares to decide whether to extend the mission until 2011, in a House of Commons vote expected Thursday.
More to come...
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP Sgt. Jason Boyes

CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Mon. Mar. 17 2008 2:01 PM ET

A Canadian soldier killed late Sunday while on a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan's turbulent Panjwaii District has been identified.

Sgt. Jason Boyes of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man., was killed after he stepped on an explosive device.

The 32-year-old was born in Lynn Lake, Man. He is the first Canadian to be killed while on foot patrol in nearly a year.

"We are devastated by this news. Jason loved his job, he loved the military, and his fellow soldiers loved him back. His world was his daughter, Mackenzie, his wife, Alison, his dogs and his family," Boyes' family said in a statement distributed by the military.

"This was his third tour in Afghanistan. We have always, and still do, support this mission."

Oliver Moore, a reporter with The Globe and Mail, told CTV's Canada AM on Monday that the soldiers were in an area known as Zangabad, which is about 35 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.

"Roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices are certainly the biggest killer of Canadian soldiers here in Afghanistan," said Moore. "But for this to happen to a dismounted soldier -- a soldier on a foot patrol -- is quite rare and hasn't happened in about 10 months."

Boyes triggered the explosive device at about 8:20 p.m. He was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.

"We have lost a brother and a fine soldier," Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche said at a news conference in Kandahar Airfield.

"He answered the call of duty one last time in Afghanistan. We will honour his memory, his dedication, and his desire to make a difference in a country that has lost hope that one day its children will grow up to know the real sense of the words 'peace' and 'freedom.'"

Laroche said Boyes was part of the recent contingent that arrived in Afghanistan in the last few weeks.

Including Sunday's death, Canada has lost 81 military personnel in Afghanistan since 2002, along with one diplomat and a civilian aid worker. The majority of slain soldiers have died from Improvised Explosive Devices. NATO allies like the United States transport many of their troops by helicopter, because it's considered a safer alternative to travelling across lands infested with bombs.

Laroche said foot patrols enable soldiers to closely monitor the security situation and interact with local communities.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay has said he's working with the U.S. to acquire six battlefield helicopters for operations in Afghanistan.

Last Thursday, Parliament voted 198-77 to extend the Afghan mission until December 2011, on the condition that NATO provides Canada with an additional 1,000 soldiers.

Danish, Czech soldiers killed

In another incident in southern Afghanistan, two Danish soldiers and one Czech soldier, along with three Afghan civilians, were killed in a suicide car bombing, officials said.

A bomber attacked a convoy from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) near the village of Girishk in the southern province of Helmand.

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed by IED in Afghanistan
Updated Fri. Apr. 4 2008 7:11 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier was killed in southern Afghanistan Friday after his armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Private Terry John Street, 24, was killed in the incident, Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, the commander of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, confirmed Friday.
The explosion took place shortly after 6 p.m. local time, in the volatile Panjwaii district southwest of Kandahar city, long known as a hotbed for Taliban activity.
Street and his colleagues were redeploying for the evening, when the blast occurred, said Laroche.
Street, from Hull, Que., was with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man.
Laroche offered his sympathies to Street's family and said that Canada's presence in Afghanistan provides hope to future generations there.
He said he hoped that thought would bring comfort to the family and friends of the fallen soldier.
Street is the 82nd Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
Earlier this week, the U.S. announced it would be sending an additional 1,000 troops to assist Canada in Kandahar.
Then on Friday, U.S. President George W. Bush told NATO leaders that more troops, in addition to the announced Kandahar deployment, would be sent to Afghanistan.
At the NATO meetings, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada has extended its mission in Kandahar until 2011.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, Pte Street.

[John McGillivray]

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.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Dammit....

[PPS]

Every time I hear or read of a service death, from whichever force, my thoughts go to those left behind - they were somebody's father/son/brother/cousin etc.

At least Canada makes a better job of saluting them than some.

May their God go with them and receive them - long may they be remembered for their sacrifice

I salute you all

Paul.

[maple_leaf_eh]

http://icasualties.org/oef/

I have found this link to be instructive. The circumstances of almost all Iraq and Afghanistan casualites are listed in appropriate detail.

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed in Panjwaii district attack
Updated Tue. Jun. 3 2008 3:41 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier was killed Tuesday morning in Afghanistan when his convoy came under enemy attack in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province.
Capt. Richard Steve Leary was killed during a dismounted security patrol with Afghan partners, said Colonel Jamie Cade during a Tuesday news conference.
"Captain Leary was what we in uniform are expected to be. Captain Leary was a soldier and Captain Leary was a leader," Cade said.
"In his memory and the memory of those that have gone before him we remain steadfast in our resolve to bring peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan. He will be greatly missed by his military family."
Leary, 32, was a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based out of Shilo, Man.
Originally from Brantford, Ont., he was on his first overseas mission. He leaves behind a wife, his parents and sister.
His repatriation ceremony is tentatively scheduled for June 6.
Leary was on a joint patrol with members of the Afghan National Security Forces in the Panjwaii region in southern Kandahar province when the group came under small arms fire from Taliban militants. The soldiers returned fire, then repositioned under Leary's leadership, when he was struck at about 9:30 a.m. local time, Cade said.
Close air support was called in and the insurgents were defeated.
Leary was airlifted to the medical facility at Kandahar Airfield where he was pronounced dead by a medical officer.
"Every death is deeply painful to us, but it is a risk that we as members of the Canadian Armed Forces understand and assume as we work to bring peace and stability to a country that has been torn apart by war," Cade said.
With the recent death, Canada's military losses in Afghanistan now total 84.
Earlier attacks
Taliban fighters have increasingly engaged NATO soldiers directly in recent weeks.
On Monday, four Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter were injured in two separate Taliban attacks west of Kandahar.
One soldier was hit by gunfire while a roadside bomb blast wounded three others and their interpreter. The attacks occurred just minutes from each other in the volatile Zhari district, where Canadian forces have often come under Taliban fire.
The troops were doing foot patrols when they were attacked.
One of the soldiers was to be flown to a military hospital in German for treatment of serious injuries, while the other three were to be treated at the Kandahar base.
Recently, Canadian forces stepped up efforts to stop Taliban bomb-making operations, dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder.
Of the 84 Canadians killed in Afghanistan, 39 were killed by buried bombs.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[PPS]

salute:
Pass Friend
Go To Your Rest
Your Duty Is Done
Let Others Now
Take Up Your Spear


Paul.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, Capt. Snyder...

June 8, 2008
Canadian soldier dies after falling into Afghan well on night patrol
By THE CANADIAN PRESS

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A Canadian soldier died after falling into a well during a night-time patrol Saturday west of Kandahar.

Capt. Jonathan Sutherland Snyder, of Penticton, B.C., was a member of 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.

He was on his second tour of Afghanistan and his third overseas deployment.

"Jon was serving as a mentor and role model to members of the Afghan National Army, and his recent leadership in the field likely saved both Canadian and Afghan lives," Brig,-Gen. Denis Thompson, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said in a prepared statement at nearby Kandahar Airfield.

"We will not forget his sacrifice as we continue our mission to bring peace and stability to the citizens of Afghanistan."

Snyder, who was helping mentor Afghan soldiers, was on foot patrol in a field in Zhari district when he tumbled into an open well that the Afghans call a 'kariz.'

Those kinds of wells dot the countryside. They are often unmarked and connect to a series of underground irrigation ditches used to soothe the parched landscape in river valleys.

Thompson estimates the well Snyder was trapped in may have been as much as 20 metres deep.

The rest of his patrol tried desperately to extract him as they radioed for help.

"Medical, engineering and search and rescue assets were rushed to the scene, and Jon was lifted from the well," said Thompson, who spoke with members of Snyder's platoon on Sunday.

Once out of the well, Snyder was rushed to the NATO military hospital at Kandahar Airfield where he was pronounced dead.

For reasons of operational security, the army refused to say where in Zhari district the joint patrol was taking place.

Snyder is the 85th Canadian soldier to die in the war-torn country, along with one diplomat, since the Afghan war started.

The last soldier to die was Capt. Richard (Steve) Leary who died of wounds following an ambush in the restive Panjwaii district on June 3.

Snyder was not married, but leaves behind a fiancee and his parents.

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan
Updated Sat. Jul. 19 2008 7:50 AM ET
The Canadian Press
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A Canadian soldier has been killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Cpl. James Hayward Arnal was struck by an explosion late Friday during a night patrol in Panjwaii district near Kandahar city.
Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan lauded him as a fearless fighter who had left a lucrative career in information technology to join the army.
"Clearly, he was a dedicated soldier with a very promising career ahead of him," said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, Canada's commander in Afghanistan.
Arnal, based out of CFB Shilo, Man., was the 88th Canadian soldier killed in the Afghan mission, and the first in two weeks.
After paying tribute to his corporal, Thompson appeared to address suggestions that the Canadian government and military have been sugar-coating the difficult realities of the Afghan mission.
He bluntly described the situation as difficult.
"Of course, soldiers are also not afraid to talk about the challenges faced here in Afghanistan," Thompson said.
"Let there be no doubt -- we do have our work cut out for us."
"This insurgency is not going to be defeated in the short term, which is why our focus is on winning the trust of the Afghan people, and building up local government and security institutions."
He said the military is determined to carry on with the mission -- and is convinced it will succeed.
Another Canadian soldier sustained injuries in the blast but was said to be in good condition and was expected to return to duty.
Suicide attacks, roadside bombs and coalition casualties have significantly increased in each of the last three years.
But the number of Afghan children going to school and the national economy has also been growing.
In a reminder of the security risk Saturday, a suicide bomber blew himself up just several hundred metres away from the main coalition base in Kandahar.
The bomber was spotted by an Afghan policeman on the main road to Kandahar Airfield, tried running away, and detonated himself with nobody close by.
One policeman and one young boy were injured, while the bomber's body was ripped to pieces by the force of the blast.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier dies of firefight injuries
Updated Sat. Aug. 9 2008 12:46 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Saskatchewan-born soldier has died of a gunshot wound suffered in a firefight with Afghan insurgents in the volatile Zhari district.
Master Cpl. Josh Roberts belonged to 2nd Battalion, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Man.
The soldier was involved in a joint operation designed to disrupt Taliban activity in the farming area west of Kandahar City when the incident occurred early Saturday.
"Master Cpl. Roberts was moved by armoured vehicle to the closest combat outpost and was immediately evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield," Brig.-Gen. Dennis Thompson, commander of Task Force Afghanistan, told reporters during a briefing at the Kandahar Airfield.
Soldiers with Charlie Company administered first aid to Roberts at the scene. However, "the nature of his injuries were such that in spite of their efforts, his life could not be saved," the general said. Doctors pronounced the soldier dead on arrival.
Roberts had transferred to the Regular Forces from the North Saskatchewan Regiment in 2006. His superiors promoted him to master corporal only two weeks ago.
"His best friend describes him as 'a no-nonsense kind of guy who lived like people dreamed; he was a fun-loving and genuine individual who was totally dedicated to the Army and held his section together. He looked out for his guys in ways they probably didn't realize,'" Thompson said.
"We are deeply affected by this loss. Josh will be greatly missed by his military family."
The military is also investigating the possibility that a private security company passing by in a convoy may have accidentally fired on the Canadian soldiers.
The death is the 89th suffered by Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan since 2002. A Canadian diplomat has also died there.
With files from The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[John McGillivray]

Canadian killed in Afghanistan; 90th death of mission
Updated Mon. Aug. 11 2008 5:09 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier has died in Afghanistan after insurgents attacked a remote outpost in the volatile Panjwaii district. It's the second death in three days.
Master Cpl. Erin Doyle was killed early Monday in the attack. He was a member of the 3rd battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based out of Edmonton.
Up to 10 gunmen attacked the outpost before 6 a.m. and Canadian soldiers returned fire, before calling in artillery and air support.
"Master Cpl. Doyle was killed while he was protecting his position and his fellow soldiers," task force commander Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson told reporters.
It was the third tour Doyle had served in Afghanistan.
"Erin was a big, tough, mountain of a man who enjoyed the outdoors," said Thompson. "He was a true warrior and just the person you would want beside you in a firefight."
A second soldier was injured and taken to the multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield, where the bulk of Canada's troops are based.
Another Canadians soldier, Master Cpl. Josh Roberts, was killed during a firefight with insurgents on the weekend. Private security personnel were also in the area, and the Canadian military is investigating any possibility of friendly fire.
Doyle is the 90th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. A diplomat has also been killed.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP Master Corporal Doyle.

[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.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Three more of our boys down... sappers all, this time. RIP.

CTV.ca News Staff

Updated: Thu. Aug. 21 2008 12:10 PM ET Three Canadian soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan's Zhari district, Canadian military officials have confirmed.

Task force commander Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson made the announcement from Kandahar Thursday, adding that a fourth soldier was also injured by the blast.

The device detonated near the soldiers' vehicle at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time Wednesday, said Thompson.

"Afghan national police and Canadian Forces responded to the scene and medical evacuation was requested," he said.

"All four soldiers were evacuated to Kandahar Air Field. Sadly, three of the soldiers were confirmed dead by medical authorities."

Sgt. Shawn Eades has been identified as one of the soldiers killed in the attack.

Eades was widely "respected by his subordinates, his peers and his superiors," said Thompson.

"He was a veteran soldier and this was his third tour in Afghanistan," he said. "He was a devoted father who liked to share stories of his children with his colleagues and friends."

Thompson said the families of the other two soldiers killed have asked that their names be withheld at this time.

He added that the injured soldier was in "serious, but stable, condition."

The three soldiers were combat engineers with 12 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Edmonton, and were attached to the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group.

"They were a well-trained, highly motivated crew that believed in the mission," said Thompson.

"As combat engineers they were proud, resourceful and armed with the technical knowledge that they generally used to assist the mission in helping the people of Kandahar province."

The deaths bring the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died during the Afghan mission to 93.

[John McGillivray]

All three names have being released:

Sgt. Shawn Allen Eade, Cpl. Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, Sapper Stephan John Stock

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Dammit... my thoughts are with them and their families right now...

Three Canadian soldiers killed, 5 wounded in Zhari, Afghanistan
CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Wed. Sep. 3 2008 1:07 PM ET

Three Canadians soldiers have been killed and five wounded during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan Wednesday morning.

The soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry were on a security patrol in a light armoured vehicle (LAV) when they came under attack, said Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson.

Following are the names of those killed:

* Cpl. Andrew Grenon
* Cpl. Mike Seggie
* Pte. Chad Horn

"The brave soldiers killed today were coming to the end of their tour and it saddens me to think of their loved ones awaiting their return later this month," Thompson said.

He released few details about the attack except to say the soldiers were not killed by an improvised explosive device, but by a direct attack in Zhari district of Kandahar province.

Of the five soldiers wounded in the attack, one is in critical condition, one is in serious but stable condition, two are considered to be in good condition and one has been treated and released, Thompson said.

The Princess Pats are based in Shilo, Man.

In total, 96 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have now been killed in Afghanistan.

[rob love]

Damn. The first rotation of guys coming home to Shilo is tomorrow morning. These guys would have been within a week or two of going on their disembarkation leave then going home.

I have to head out front and lower the flag again. Hopefully this is the last time this rotation.

[John McGillivray]

Infantryman killed, 7 injured in roadside blast
Updated Sun. Sep. 7 2008 2:01 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan has killed a Canadian soldier nearing the end of his second rotation, and wounded seven others, in Kandahar province's Panjwaii district.
Sgt. Scott Shipway, an infantryman with the 2nd battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, died less than a week before he was set to go home, Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson told reporters Sunday at a new conference in Kandahar.
"Scott was a seasoned veteran ... a dedicated father and a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan," Thompson said.
He added that fellow-soldiers called him "Papa Shipway" and his motto was "never let a comrade down."
His dedication was apparent when he helped save a fellow soldier's life during a roadside bomb attack in 2006.
"At that time, he disregarded the danger to himself, secured the area of the blast and began treating the casualties, including one who had lost both his legs," Thompson said.
"Using the radio he got direction from the chief surgeon and was able to stop the bleeding, thereby saving that soldier's life.
Shipway was cited for his quick reaction.
Thompson said friends and other soldiers admired Shipway because he never "sugarcoated the truth."
"He always gave you an honest answer, whether you wanted it or not," the general said.
Shipway was based at CFB Shilo and had joined the military in 1991. He had previously completed tours of duty in Cypress, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
The injured soldiers were well enough to personally tell their loved ones they were okay, Thompson said.
Shipway's death brings the number of Canadian deaths in Afghanistan to 97. Three Canadian soldiers were killed in an incident four days ago.
Pte. Chad Horn and Cpls. Andrew Grenon and Mike Seggie were killed in an ambush while conducting a security patrol in the volatile Zhari district on Wednesday.
Five other soldiers were wounded in that attack.
The bodies of the three soldiers arrived back in Canada on Saturday evening.


http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

God Rest Your Souls, my lads.

Three soldiers killed, one injured in Afghanistan


CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Sat. Dec. 13 2008 5:39 PM ET

Three Canadian soldiers have died west of Kandahar city, after an improvised explosive device detonated. A fourth soldier was injured in the blast.

The soldiers were responding to reports of people planting a suspicious object.

The Canadian military said Saturday that primary next-of-kin have been notified, but the soldiers will not be identified until extended family members have been contacted.

The news came as 1,000 mourners paid tribute to Cpl. Mark Robert McLaren in a Peterborough, Ont., drill hall. He was one of three soldiers killed in a roadside blast on Dec. 5, bringing Canada's troop death toll to the grim milestone of 100.

McLaren, 23, died alongside Pte. Demetrios Diplaros, 23, and Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, 27, on Dec. 5, when the armoured truck they were travelling in struck an IED.

Saturday's deaths occurred near where the Dec. 5 attack happened, just west of Kandahar City, on the border between the Arghandab and Zhari districts, near the village of Senjaray.

"It's the same type of attack, an IED, in almost exactly the same place," Globe and Mail reporter Graeme Smith told CTV Newsnet on the phone from Kandahar.

"It's a very dangerous stretch of highway that runs west of Kandahar city, just over the bridge that leads you out to the farmland where Canadians have been fighting for the last two years."

The area was not considered a Taliban stronghold until recently, Smith said.
With the latest attack, Canada's troop death toll is now 103. A Canadian diplomat has also been killed.