Two More Canadian Soldiers Die in Afganistan

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF
NATIONAL DEFENCE

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Two Canadian soldiers killed, a number of ISAF forces injured in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Oct. 3, 2008 - Two Canadian soldiers were killed and a number of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops were injured today when ISAF forces operating in the Panjwayi area were attacked by mortars, rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.

The attack occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. Kandahar time, about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City as ISAF forces worked to clear a route of mines and improvised explosive devices for a future road construction project.

A number of ISAF soldiers, including Canadians suffered injuries in the attack.

All of the injured Canadian soldiers have non-life threatening injuries.

They are being treated at the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield.

The Canadian soldiers killed in today's attack in Afghanistan are Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ontario.

The ISAF forces were in Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province, to help bring security and normalcy to the area after Canadian, Afghan and international forces successfully forced out Taliban insurgents from the area.

The insurgents had previously caused civilians to flee the area due to threats, intimidation and violence.

Canadian troops are in Afghanistan to help the Afghan people rebuild their social and civil infrastructure.

Taliban attacks will not deter Canadian efforts to help Afghanistan achieve peace and stability in a free and democratic society.

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