Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

An Australian solder died instantly during a Taliban rocket attack overnight in
Afghanistan, defence force chief Angus Houston has confirmed.
The soldier is the eighth Digger to die in Afghanistan.
No other Australian soldier has been wounded.
Taliban insurgents engaged an Afghan forward operating base in Oruzgan Province
early on Sunday evening Australian time, Air Chief Marshall Houston said.
An Australian element was deployed at the base during the attack.
"As a result of this indirect fire, it is with deep regret that I inform you that an
Australian soldier has been killed," he told reporters.
Several rockets were fired into the base and one hit the facility housing Australian
soldiers.
"The soldier was killed instantly when a rocket landed in the compound," Air Chief
Marshal Houston said.
The soldier's family has been informed of his death.
"I want to convey that I am terribly sorry at their loss. While I can bring them no
comfort at this time, I do want them to know that they are in thoughts and prayers
of the nation."
The soldier had been in Afghanistan for several weeks, and was a third of the way
through his deployment.
Defence will not release the soldier's name at this stage, Air Chief Marshal Houston
said.
The situation in Afghanistan remained "very dangerous" and defence had a number of
operations running in the province.
"Sadly, sometimes we lose those who are among our finest and most courageous."
The "experienced" soldier had been previously deployed in East Timor.
His death would not deter Australian forces and operations in Afghanistan, he said.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has called a press conference in Sydney for 10am (AEDT).