Statement on today's Afghanistan deaths

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

************************* Six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan OTTAWA, ONTARIO - 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 kilometres southwest 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.

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