Canadian KIlled in Afganistan.......

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

More sad news for freedom...

Four Canadian and three coalition forces casualties following attack northwest of Kandahar.
OTTAWA, March 29 /CNW Telbec/ - One Canadian soldier was killed, and
three others injured when insurgents attacked them with mortars, rocket-
propelled grenade and small arms fire in northern Helmand province,
approximately 110 km northwest of Kandahar.
One other coalition soldier was also killed. Wounded in the same incident
were another coalition soldier, and a soldier from the Afghan National Army.
Initial reports indicate that coalition forces killed an unconfirmed number of
insurgents in this action. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m.
local time (5:15 p.m. March 28, EST).
Private Robert Costall, born in Thunder Bay, Ontario was killed in the
attack.
The identities of the injured soldiers are being withheld, as they are
expected to return to duty.
All of the soldiers were part of the Canadian Battle Group based on the
1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) stationed
in Edmonton.
Immediately after the incident, a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter from
Kandahar Airfield flew the casualties from the site of the attack to the
coalition hospital at Kandahar Airfield.
Canada's mission in Afghanistan is part of our contribution to the
international campaign to help bring stability and security to the people of
Afghanistan. The overarching goal is to help the Afghan people achieve peace
by preventing their nation from relapsing into a failed state that gives
terrorist and terrorist organizations a safe haven.
There are significant risks involved in these operations, but Canadian
Forces members are among the best trained, and most experienced soldiers in
the world. They are well led, well equipped, and fully prepared for the
mission in Afghanistan.

LA VERSION FRANCAISE SUIVRA SOUS PEU.

NOTE TO EDITOR:
Images related to this incident will be available on the CF Combat Camera
website at:
http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca



For further information: (613) 996-2353/54, After hours: (613) 792-2973,
http://www.forces.gc.ca