At approximately 1:40 p.m. local time (in Kandahar) today, one Canadian soldier who was part of a convoy was killed when the armoured vehicle he was in struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED), 35 km South-West of Kandahar City. Two Canadian soldiers were also injured.
The family of the deceased soldier have been advised but at their request, the name of the soldier is being temporarily withheld.
The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. They are in good condition and have returned to duty. They have completed next of kin self-notification.
As we have seen in recent weeks, Joint Operations in Panjwayi are re-asserting coalition presence and disrupting insurgents’ activities in areas known to be insurgent strongholds. This activity is generating a response from the Taliban mostly in the form of their weapon of choice - Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).
We have lost a fine Canadian today, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this brave soldier.
UPDATE:
Killed yesterday in Afghanistan was Corporal Étienne Gonthier, 21 year old, of 5th Combat Engineer Regiment based in Valcartier (Québec). He was part of a team of sappers conducting route clearance ahead of a convoy in the Panjwaiyi District.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Corporal Gonthier , 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 Gonthier in his efforts to assist the Afghan national security forces represent Canadian values in the finest tradition. He will be greatly missed.
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