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| Afghanistan |
| Romanian soldier dies, 4 injured in roadside bomb attack |
| 2006-06-20 |
| KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A Romanian soldier was killed and four other men were hurt when an armoured vehicle was destroyed by a roadside bomb Tuesday just a few kilometres from the coalition base in Kandahar. Canadian soldiers travelling in the convoy provided emergency medical aid. Among the casualties was a Romanian soldier who got out of another vehicle in the convoy to help his comrades. He suffered severe leg injuries when he stepped on a landmine. One of the other injured men was an Afghan interpreter working for the coalition, said Canadian Capt. Julie Roberge, a spokeswoman for the multinational brigade. Two Canadian soldiers in an armoured jeep that was part of the convoy helped secure the area after the explosions and gave first aide to the wounded, Roberge said. The injured men were airlifted by helicopter to hospital. One was listed in serious condition and two were listed as stable. One man suffered only minor injuries. The slain soldier had been attached to the Romanian 341st battalion, a Romanian Defence Ministry statement said. At least three other Romanian troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2003. Romania has about 700 soldiers in the country. The Taliban attack came as coalition forces, including Canadians, continued Operation Mountain Thrust in the northern sector of southern Afghanistan. About 7,000 coalition combat troops are operating in a huge area that includes Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan provinces. So far in the campaign there have been no major clashes with Taliban forces, said Col. Mike Vernon, chief of staff of the brigade. However, there have been minor contacts with insurgents every day, he said. Afghan and coalition forces reported killing five insurgents Monday in Helmand province, the coalition said. Vernon said the intent of the operation is to extend the rule of law in remote rural areas. Since Operation Mountain Thrust began in earnest last week, about 110 suspected militants have been killed, according to coalition estimates. At least 10 coalition soldiers have died in combat since mid-May. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #1 Rest in peace with our thanks, Soldier. And may the others heal well and quickly. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2006-06-20 12:16 |