Six Canadian soldiers killed in roadside blast

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070704/afghan_soldiers_070704/20070704?hub=TopStories ^

[exg]

Six Canadian soldiers killed in roadside blast Updated Wed. Jul. 4 2007 12:40 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

A roadside bomb has killed six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, as well as an Afghan interpreter.

Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant, commander of Task Force Afghanistan, confirmed the deaths during a news conference Wednesday in Kandahar.

He said the soldiers -- who have not been identified pending notification of next of kin -- were travelling in a RG-31 Nyala armoured vehicle with the interpreter when they struck the bomb.

The attack happened about 20 kilometres from Kandahar.

Earlier Wednesday, AP reported that three separate clashes left 20 militants and one police officer dead in Afghanistan.

The gun battles were sparked after militants attacked several checkpoints in Ghazni province in Afghanistan's south, the province's police chief told The Associated Press.

The fighting left 13 militants and one police officer dead.

In separate gun battles in Zabul province on Tuesday, U.S.-led coalition forces fought with suspected Taliban militants in the province's Shahjoy district.

Seven militants were killed and six others were wounded in those battles, according to a spokesperson for the province's governor.

More than 2,400 people have been killed so far this year in Afghanistan, including civilians, militants and troops according to an AP tally.

With files from The Associated Press

[exg]

"He said the soldiers -- who have not been identified pending notification of next of kin -- "

Now we wait--again.

[exg]

Canadian Soldier

[leadpenny]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070704/ap_on_re_as/afghan_violence;_ylt=AjUaqLASu3KhCXcBY6JGsNnMWM0F

[pissant]

Prayers for our brothers in arms and their families.

[SandRat]

Sadness at Canada’s loss of these brave warriors in the cause of freedom.

[exg]

Thanks for the link ! It brings the count so far this year to 22 Canadians.

[GMMAC]

[fanfan]

I’m so sorry exg.

[BlessedBeGod]

Prayers for their eternal rest, and for their friends and families.

[Bahbah]

Sad hearts here for the loss.

[exg]

Thanks fanfan.
I just wish the media would sit on the story until the families are notified.

[fanfan]

I agree, but that’s the media for you. You know they would if it was one of their own.

[GMMAC]

Lest We Forget:

Canadians Murdered on 9/11

Death toll in Afghanistan

[Clive]

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[Clive]

Here is the DND/Canadian Forces press release:

News Release

Six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

CEFCOM NR–07.022 - July 4, 2007

OTTAWA – Six Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were killed at approximately 10:55 a.m. Kandahar time today when their vehicle struck a suspected improvised explosive device approximately 20 km south-west of Kandahar City. The names of the casualties are being withheld pending the notification of families.

The incident occurred while the soldiers were returning from conducting joint operations with the Afghan National Army. This joint operation was dubbed Operation LUGER and is indicative of the ever-increasing capability of Afghan National Security forces. Operation LUGER was an Afghan led operation to enhance security in the Panjwayii district that saw Canadian Forces troops play a supporting role to their Afghan counterparts. The operation was completed without incident, and the attack occurred as the patrol returned to a nearby forward operating base. Afghan National Army forces have made great progress in increasing their level of professionalism and operational capability and regularly work in close cooperation with Canadian Forces personnel who stand alongside them in the field, and mentor them as they develop a cohesive and professional military force.

The members of Joint Task Force Afghanistan are deeply saddened by the loss of these brave individuals as they worked side by side with their Afghan counterparts to bring security and stability to southern Afghanistan.

We will not be deterred by the efforts of those who would deny the Afghan people a brighter future.

-30-NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
The identities and home units of the deceased will only be released when next-of-kin notification is complete, and in accordance with the family’s wishes.

[Clive]

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[headsonpikes]

Now we just have to wait for the Canadian Left’s press vultures to start circling - Salutin, McQuaig, and all the rest.

The appalling list of totalitarian apologists in the Canadian press never grows shorter.

[exg]

"Now we just have to wait for the Canadian Left’s press vultures to start circling - " _____________________________ This is what I would have to say to them:

[exg]

Thanks for the info Clive—but I still won’t breathe until the names have been released.

[Clive]

It is an anxious time.

Our prayers are with you.