Canadian soldier killed today in Afghanistan

NEWS RELEASES

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL DEFENCE

***************************** Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -(May 25, 2007) - A Canadian soldier was killed today by an improvised explosive device, while conducting a joint Afghan-Canadian foot patrol close to the village of Nalgham, approximately 35 kilometres west of Kandahar City.

The incident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. Kandahar time.

One other Canadian soldier and an Afghan interpreter were also wounded in the incident.

The wounded soldier was evacuated by helicopter to the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield for treatment and is assessed as stable.

The Afghan interpreter was slightly wounded and chose to remain in Nalgham and continue supporting the ongoing operations. Killed was Corporal Matthew McCully, a signals operator based at 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, Petawawa, Ontario.

His next-of-kin have been notified.

Corporal McCully tragically lost his life after an improvised explosive device detonated in the proximity of where he was patrolling by foot, along with Afghan national security forces, close to the village of Nalgham, approximately 35 kilometres west of Kandahar City.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Corporal McCully, and with his comrades in Afghanistan who remain committed to helping Afghans improve their living conditions and build a free and democratic society.

The courage and dedication demonstrated by Corporal McCully in his efforts to assist the Afghan national security forces represent Canadian values in the finest tradition.

He will be greatly missed.

The incident occurred as Canadian soldiers with the Canadian Operational Mentor Liaison Teams (OMLT) were participating in Operation HOOVER, an effort involving Canadian soldiers, elements from the Afghan National Army (ANA), and other ISAF forces to consolidate security in the Zharey District.

The OMLT advises, mentors and assists the leadership of the ANA.

This professional development initiative enables the ANA to help secure peace and stability in Afghanistan and extend the legitimate authority of the Government of Afghanistan.

This incident will not deter Canadian troops from continuing their work with the Government and the people of Afghanistan.

Incidents like this one prove that, along with our Afghan National Security Force partners, Canadians need to continue working to bring about peace and security in the region. ****************************