News Release
Name of Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan released
CEFCOM/COMFEC NR–07.035 - August 22, 2007
OTTAWA - The identity of one of the two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan today is as follows:
Master Corporal Christian Duchesne, 5e Ambulance de campagne, based out of Valcartier, Quebec.
Family members of the soldiers have been notified. At their request, the name of the remaining soldier is being temporarily withheld.
News Release
Name of second Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan released
CEFCOM NR–07.036 - August 23, 2007
OTTAWA – The identity of the second Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan on August 22, 2007 is as follows:
- Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier, 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment, based out of Valcartier, Québec.
News Release
Two Canadian soldiers and Afghan Interpreter killed in Afghanistan
CEFCOM NR–07.034 - August 22, 2007
OTTAWA - Two Canadian soldiers, and one Afghan interpreter were 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.
The names of the casualties are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
-RF (Toronto) August 22, 07
The announcement of the latest casualties arrives on the eve of the repatriation of Pte. Simon Longtin.. The news hits hard the members of the 3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Régiment and ANSF as 3 of their own are killed shortly after deployment in Afghanistan. Members of the 3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Régiment and ANSF want to remind people of Quebec and Canada that although the war in Afghanistan may be contraversial with many people and the media that this mission in Afghanistan is no different than has occurred in the past such as the peace keeping missions in Beirut, Africa or Haiti. Members of the regiment want to the public to become more informed with the mission in Afghanistan before judging the mission; even knowing there is a high risk of casualties.
