Defence News
Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
08 June 2010
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In what was described by Acting Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley as a "tough day in the theatre of war", two Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan.
The two soldiers from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment were serving with the 1st Mentoring Task Force and died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time.
They were part of an Australian dismounted patrol conducting operations in the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan province.
The Australians were two of a total of ten NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Monday. It was the worst single day for the foreign forces operating in Afghanistan in over seven months and tragically, the worst day for Australian troops since Vietnam.
One of the soldiers was killed at the time of the explosion while the other soldier received emergency first aid from his patrol mates and was subsequently aero-medically evacuated to a nearby ISAF hospital. Sadly, the soldier died from his wounds.
There were no other Australian or Afghan casualties, however, an explosive detection dog also died in the incident.
The families of both soldiers have been informed.
The Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, said he was deeply saddened bythe loss of the two brave soldiers.
"Their role is a dangerous one – seeking out explosive devices and other threats – to keep their colleagues safe. They are fighting a determined enemy in the Taliban, whose aim is to kill and maim coalition soldiers and Afghan security personnel," he said.
"To the families and friends of these two soldiers, I also offer my heartfelt sympathies and the full support of the Australian Defence Force, particularly, in the coming days as we prepare to bring these soldiers home.
"The soldier's families have asked that their names not be released at this time and I would ask you to respect this request while they grieve."
An investigation will be initiated in order to determine the exact details of the incident.
Thirteen Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since operations commenced.