Two more Canadian soldiers die after LAV hits mine - 17 Nov

[CD]

Two more Canadian soldiers die after LAV hits landmine; three wounded

17 Nov, 2:42 PM

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Two months of relative calm came to an explosive and tragic end Saturday on a narrow road in the volatile Zhari district of southern Afghanistan, with the deaths of two Canadian soldiers and injuries to three more.

Their light armoured vehicle, or LAV, hit a roadside bomb about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar city just after midnight Saturday.

Killed were Cpl. Nicholas Raymond Beauchamp of the 5th Field Ambulance in Valcartier, Que., and Pte. Michel Levesque, 25, of Riviere-Rouge, Que., who was with the Royal 22nd Regiment.

Three other soldiers in the vehicle were injured and flown to hospital at Kandahar Air Field where they are listed in stable condition. An Afghan interpreter also died in the blast.

"This is an extremely difficult and emotional time for the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives or have been injured today," said Col. Christian Juneau, the deputy commander of the Canadian Task Force in Afghanistan.

"The presence of every single soldier here contributes to building a better future for the people of Afghanistan. I can only hope that this thought will be of some comfort to those who are grieving today."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement Saturday, extending condolences to the families and friends of the two soldiers killed, and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

"These are all exceptional Canadians who deserve the gratitude and respect of this nation," Harper said.

"The actions of these brave soldiers have brought hope to the Afghan people."

Harper also expressed sympathy to the family of the Afghan interpreter.

"We are making a difference in Afghanistan and the government of Canada stands proudly with our Canadian Forces members as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values," Harper's statement said.

The Zhari and Panjwaii districts have been a hotbed of Taliban activity for years and most of Canada's military resources are committed to the region. A favourite tactic of the Taliban is the use of Improvised Explosive Devices, known as IEDs, or landmines. Recently they have been increasing the size of the explosive devices, often placing one on top of the other. That would explain how so much damage could be done to a LAV which is a favourite of the Canadian forces.

Juneau said the troops were involved in a "targeted security operation" aimed at increasing security and stability in the region in support of Afghan security forces.

Tactics such as this, said Juneau, show how bad things have become for the Taliban.

"The area is pretty active in terms of insurgent activity," Juneau said. "You have to understand the insurgents are desperate for a spectacular event or a spectacular victory that would help them finish the fighting season on a high note."

"They haven't been very successful this season so far."

Despite several skirmishes and plenty of activity, the two deaths Saturday are the first since Sept. 24.

On that day Cpl. Nathan Hornburg became the 71st Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.

The 24-year-old armoured crewman with the King's Own Calgary Regiment was killed during a counter-insurgency operation in one of the most dangerous districts in Afghanistan.

A member of a tank squadron, Hornburg was repairing the track on a Leopard 2 tank when he was killed by the blast from a mortar strike during Operation Sadiq Sarbaaz, or Operation Honest Soldier.

Every loss is difficult for Canadian troops to deal with said Juneau.

"It's always very tough when you lose one of your comrades. We're like a family here," he said.

"We've got to grieve. We've got to say or provide our fallen comrades with a proper farewell and then we will refocus and carry on with the mission."

Seventy-three soldiers and one diplomat have now lost their lives since Canada's mission in Afghanistan began in 2002.

Saturday's loss shows just how dangerous the Zhari district is, said a NATO spokesman.

"ISAF troops contend with the threat of IED strikes on a daily basis, but our soldiers continue to improve the security situation and make a very real and positive difference to the lives of normal, hardworking Afghan people," said Wing Commander Antony McCord, a spokesman for Regional Command South.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the families and friends of those who have been killed or injured in today's incident."

Ironically, work on expanding a permanent memorial to Canada's fallen soldiers at Kandahar Air Field began just this week.

[60N]

I hate to say it but it's time for the grunts to get out of the vehicles and start walking. It's probably a lot safer. I think the CDS should watch Appocalipse Now. He might get an idea two on combat transport.

"I love the smell of Napalm in the morning"

[mellow_pilot]

The forces are trying to buy Chinooks to transport troops. They won't be available in time. And I don't think it's a good idea to have troops exposed to fire on a 2-300km march on foot. Just my opinion...

[mellow_pilot]

Oh, and helos are not as good with RPG hits as an armored vehicle.

[WJflyer]

This probably was a BIG bomb... not much can severely damage a LAV...

Yeah, build a big enough bomb, you can blow up anything.

[Nark]

If it's done right, 25lbs of propelent can disable an LAV. Lessons are hard learned.