Aussie soldier killed in Afghanistan

An Australian soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force has confirmed. The Australian Defence Force said an incident had taken place in Oruzgan province earlier on Thursday.

"There have been a number of casualties," Defence said in a statement.
Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley said members of a
Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) were on foot, conducting an operation against
Taliban insurgents.
An explosion occurred and an Australian soldier was killed, he said.
Lieutenant General Hurley said the Australian soldier was killed after an improvised
explosive device (IED) was detonated.
Two other soldiers were also slightly wounded in the attack.
No more information could be released about the incident because it could jeopardise
the safety of other soldiers, Lt Gen Hurley said.
"Today our nation mourns the loss of a fine soldier," he said.
"On behalf of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, I offer my deepest
sympathy to his family and to his friends."
Lieutenant General Hurley said an inquiry would be held into the soldier's death
with the results to be made public.
The soldier's family was receiving support and was coming to terms with their loss,
he said.
The families of the two injured soldiers also have been notified.
Lt Gen Hurley said the blast happened during an offensive operation, in an area of
Oruzgan province in which Australian troops had previously operated.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressed his sadness at the death of another Australian
solder in Afghanistan.
"I'm deeply saddened today to hear of the death of an Australian soldier this
(Thursday) morning in Afghanistan," Mr Rudd told reporters in Canberra.
"On behalf of the government, I wish to extend my condolences to the family of this
soldier."
"Our deepest sympathies are with this young man's family, his friends and his
colleagues," Mr Rudd said.
The soldier's death brings the number of Australian casualties in Afghanistan to seven.
"Our troops in Afghanistan are engaged in dangerous work, they are engaged in
important work and they perform their role with distinction, with bravery and
professionalism," Mr Rudd said.
"There is no higher call for any person than to wear the uniform of Australia and
today we are tragically reminded of the risks that come ... with that calling."
Mr Rudd called on Australians to hold the families of the dead and wounded soldiers
in their thoughts and prayers.