NZ soldier killed in Afghanistan

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Tight-knit base will be shattered by death

A New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan died in what the Defence Force says was a complex attack on a three vehicle routine patrol.
The patrol was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device) and then was attacked from two positions.

Two other soldiers and a local interpreter suffered what are described as ''not life threatening injuries''.

The dead soldier, who became New Zealand's first combat casualty in Afghanistan, was based in the town of Bamyan, in Bamyan Province.

Another two New Zealand Defence Force personnel and a local interpreter in the patrol were also injured.

The soldier was serving with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in the province.

''This is New Zealand's first combat loss in Afghanistan and reinforces the danger faced daily by our forces as they work tirelessly to restore stability to the province," Prime Minister John Key said in a statement.

''It is with enormous sadness that I acknowledge that this soldier has paid a high price and my thoughts are with his family and the families of the injured.''

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team's (NZPRT) headquarters in the province is Kiwi Base. To the south is the airfield while the main township and bazaar are located to the north of the base.

The sixteenth rotation of the (NZPRT), commanded by Colonel John Boswell arrived in Afghanistan in April and were expected to remain in the country for about six months.

Prime Minister John Key visited Bamyan earlier this year, and the Government has announced that the NZPRT will extend their secondment until September 2011.

The force works on maintaining security in Bamyan Province, and carries out frequent patrols throughout the area.

It also supports the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, the Afghan National Police and district sub-governors.

The NZPRT also identifies, prepares and provides project management for NZAID projects within the region.

It consists of four liaison (LNO) teams supported by infantry, engineers, staff officers, communications and logistic staff.

The first NZPRT deployment to Afghanistan departed in August 2003 on a four month rotation.

New Zealand also has a small number of Special Air Service personnel serving in Afghanistan. In total New Zealand has approximately 140 personnel in Bamiyan and about 80 SAS soldiers in Kabul.

 

 

 

 

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