http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2120
News Release
Two Canadian Soldiers Killed in Ambush, Battle with Insurgents
CEFCOM NR–06.030 - October 14, 2006
OTTAWA – At approximately 3:10 pm (Afghanistan time) today, two Canadians soldiers were killed when their unit was ambushed near the new Panjwayi development road. Two other soldiers were wounded. Other Canadian units quickly responded to the attack and became involved in a three-hour battle with insurgents. International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) helicopters were also called in to engage the attackers.
The names of the fallen soldiers will not be released until the next of kin notification process has been completed and the families agree to release the names.
The dead and wounded soldiers were evacuated to the Kandahar Airfield. The two wounded are stable with non-critical injuries.
The Panjwayi development road, which is being built by the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team and other Canadian units, is vital to Afghan development and progress in the area. Insurgents have previously launched attacks and planted mines and Improvised Explosive Devices in the area that have killed and wounded Canadian soldiers and Afghan civilians.
Large numbers of insurgents were pushed out of the Panjwayi region during the successful combat phase of Operation Medusa. The primary focus of Canadian troops is now the reconstruction and development phase of the operation.
Canadian troops in Afghanistan are serving alongside soldiers and civilians from 36 countries under the NATO-led, UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). A key part of Canada’s ‘whole of government’ assistance to Afghanistan is helping establish the security necessary to promote development.
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