Aussie killed by IED in Afghanistan

SYDNEY (AAP) - An Australian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, Australian Defence Force Chief General David Hurley has confirmed.
The soldier was serving with the Mentoring Taskforce 3, General Hurley said.
He was seriously wounded by the explosion and transferred to a medical facility in Tarin Kowt.
"Unfortunately the soldier died from his wounds shortly after arrival," General Hurley said.
The man's family has been notified but his identity will not be immediately released.
The death is the 29th soldier fatality in Afghanistan amid the current operations.
The incident occurred while the man was conducting a patrol with members of the Afghan National Army and other coalition forces 85km northeast of Tarin Kowt at about 8am (AEST) on Monday morning.
The soldier was a "respected member" of the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion, General Hurley said.
This was his first deployment to Afghanistan but he had previously served in East Timor in 2009. He arrived in Afghanistan in June.
"The soldier's colleagues describe him as a man who excelled at any task he was assigned and a soldier who was proud to serve his country," General Hurley said.
Another International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldier was also wounded in the same incident and was in a stable condition.
An investigation into the incident is under way.
General Hurley said the soldier's colleagues described him as a man who "excelled at any task".
"He was proud to serve his country," he said.
It will be a difficult task for Mentoring Taskforce 3 to send their mate home, General Hurley said.
"They face difficult times ahead but we will take care of them they will not face these difficulties alone," he said.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the family of the soldier had asked for his identity to remain private for now.
"This will be a terrible blow for an Australian family," Mr Smith told reporters.
"It will also be a terrible reminder for 28 other families."