CEFCOM/COMFEC NR–07.047 - December 30, 2007

At approximately 9:10 a.m. local time (in Kandahar) today, one Canadian soldier was killed when the Armoured Vehicle he was in struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device. Four other Canadian soldiers were also injured.

The incident occurred during a routine patrol, approximately 20 km West of Kandahar city, in the Zharey District. Helicopters were used to evacuate the soldiers to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. The wounded soldiers are in stable condition and have contacted their families.

The body of the deceased was identified as soldier Gunner Jonathan Dion. He was 27 years old and a member of 5 Régiment d'Artillerie légère du Canada, based in Valcartier, Québec.

The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Canadian Forces go out to the family and friends of the Gunner Dion.