CEFCOM NR–07.034 - August 22, 2007
OTTAWA – Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier was killed at approximately 6:19 p.m. Kandahar time today when their Light Armoured
Vehicle (LAV III) struck a suspected mine approximately 50 kms West of Kandahar City. One Canadian soldier and two Canadian journalists were
also injured at the time of the explosion and have been evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Hospital at Kandahar Airfield.
The incident occurred during Operation EAGLE EYE, a joint Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and ISAF operation aimed at further stabilizing
the District of Zharey. Members of the 3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Régiment and ANSF advanced to secure the western region of Zharey, where
insurgents have been most active, to strengthen security conditions so that meetings can be held with local elders and authorities to support
the delivery of reconstruction projects.