Northern Ontario soldier dies this morning in Afghanistan

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

********************** National Defence: Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan OTTAWA, ONTARIO - A Canadian soldier was killed today during an engagement with Taliban insurgents approximately 25 kilometres west of Kandahar.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. Kandahar time (12 a.m. EDT).

Killed was Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca [shown], who was serving with Task Force Afghanistan as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group.

Cpl. Boneca was a member of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, which is based in Thunder Bay, Ontario; his next-of-kin have been notified.

Cpl. Boneca was evacuated by helicopter to the coalition medical facility at Kandahar Airfield where he was pronounced dead.

The repatriation of Cpl. Boneca's remains is now being planned.

Cpl. Boneca's unit was operating in Zjarey district as part of Operation Zahar, which means "Sword" in Pashto.

Operation Zahar is a joint Afghan National Army/Coalition security operation aimed at removing the Taliban threat to Afghan citizens in the region west of Kandahar City while strengthening the Afghan Government's authority in the area.

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. ********************