News Release

One Canadian Forces soldier killed and four injured in Afghanistan

CEFCOM NR 09.005 - March 8, 2009

OTTAWA – One Canadian Forces soldier was killed and four were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Shah Wali Kot District. The incident occurred north-east from Kandahar City at around 1:15 p.m., Kandahar time, on 8 March, 2009.

The soldiers were conducting security operations in the area when the explosion occurred.

Killed in action was Trooper Marc Diab from The Royal Canadian Dragoons. Trooper Diab was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

The injured CF personnel were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield. All injured CF personnel are in stable condition and three of them will be evacuated to Landstulh Medical Facility shortly.

The names of the injured soldiers will not be released.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time.

Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. Despite these cowardly attacks we are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

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