"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
- Col. David H. Hackworth
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
2 CANADIAN SOLDIERS KILLED IN AFGANI AMBUSH
Two Canadian soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan on Saturday after militants ambushed them with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire.
Two soldiers were also wounded Saturday afternoon in the battle in Kandahar province, Canadian military officials said. The soldiers are in stable condition and their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
'The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress,' said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser. 'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild.'(CBC)The soldiers were working on a road that would offer safer passage from the volatile Panjwaii district to Kandahar when they were attacked. The road, Highway 1, is often referred to by Canadian soldiers as "Ambush Alley."
"The operational report we're getting is that it was a single rocket-propelled grenade that hit one of our strongpoints," said Col. Fred Lewis, the deputy commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
The soldiers' identities and hometowns were not released.
'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild'
The deaths of the soldiers brings the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 42.
The attack occurred in the same area around the road where several Canadian soldiers have been killed in recent weeks. Taliban militants have been stepping up attacks in the country's south, particularly in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.
"The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress," said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian and NATO commander in southern Afghanistan, in a news conference at Kandahar airbase Saturday after the attack.
"That progress will be challenged every day by that organization called the Taliban, who wants to take it down. Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild."
Canada has more than 2,000 troops in the Kandahar area who are working with NATO to fight Taliban forces.
The latest deaths came on the same day as more than 300 mourners gathered in Newfoundland at a funeral for Sgt. Craig Gillam.
Gillam and another Canadian soldier, Cpl. Robert Mitchell, were killed on Oct. 3 in a similar attack just west of Kandahar City.
Last Updated: Saturday, October 14, 2006 9:41 PM ET
CBC News
Two soldiers were also wounded Saturday afternoon in the battle in Kandahar province, Canadian military officials said. The soldiers are in stable condition and their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
'The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress,' said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser. 'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild.'(CBC)The soldiers were working on a road that would offer safer passage from the volatile Panjwaii district to Kandahar when they were attacked. The road, Highway 1, is often referred to by Canadian soldiers as "Ambush Alley."
"The operational report we're getting is that it was a single rocket-propelled grenade that hit one of our strongpoints," said Col. Fred Lewis, the deputy commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
The soldiers' identities and hometowns were not released.
'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild'
The deaths of the soldiers brings the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 42.
The attack occurred in the same area around the road where several Canadian soldiers have been killed in recent weeks. Taliban militants have been stepping up attacks in the country's south, particularly in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.
"The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress," said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian and NATO commander in southern Afghanistan, in a news conference at Kandahar airbase Saturday after the attack.
"That progress will be challenged every day by that organization called the Taliban, who wants to take it down. Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild."
Canada has more than 2,000 troops in the Kandahar area who are working with NATO to fight Taliban forces.
The latest deaths came on the same day as more than 300 mourners gathered in Newfoundland at a funeral for Sgt. Craig Gillam.
Gillam and another Canadian soldier, Cpl. Robert Mitchell, were killed on Oct. 3 in a similar attack just west of Kandahar City.
Last Updated: Saturday, October 14, 2006 9:41 PM ET
CBC News
Monday, October 09, 2006
40th CANADIAN TO BE LOST: while Afghan troop restrictions draw fire from O'Connor
Canada's defence minister has urged some NATO allies to do more in volatile areas of Afghanistan, saying they put too many restrictions on their troops — sometimes even banning nighttime missions.
A day after Canada lost its 40th soldier on the mission, Gordon O'Connor told CBC Newsworld on Sunday that the country, Britain and the United States are currently bearing most of the burden in dangerous southern Afghanistan.
Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.(DND/CP)
O'Connor said Poland recently agreed to contribute 1,000 troops to NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), but said other countries should be contributing more.
"There are larger NATO countries that have put a whole lot of restrictions on their forces. They will not move geographically from the north or from the west. Some of them will not even allow their forces to go out at night," O'Connor told the CBC.
"We want these restrictions taken off their forces so that they can be deployed by the ISAF commander anywhere in Afghanistan."
Pressed by the CBC's Carole MacNeil, who suggested he was referring to France and Germany, O'Connor said: "There's more than them," and then mentioned Italy and Spain.
He also said if there were two more battle groups from NATO countries, "then we can keep the Taliban suppressed."
He said he is lobbying for the additional forces, has asked Afghanistan to move more soldiers and police to the volatile south where Canadian soldiers are regularly fighting the Taliban, and wants Pakistan to close the border so militants cannot move back and forth.
Soldier mourned
O'Connor's plea for help came as troops mourned the death of Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, who was killed by a roadside bomb on Saturday the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar. Thirteen Canadian soldiers have died in the volatile district since Sept. 1.
Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was part of the Dragoons reconnaissance team and was based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in northeastern Ontario.
He was killed as he rode inside a Nyala armoured truck, described by the Department of National Defence as a blast-resistant vehicle. It was the first time a Canadian soldier travelling in a Nyala has been killed in Afghanistan.
Canada, which now has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan and is leading NATO's forces in the south, has lost 40 soldiers and one diplomat since it began the mission in early 2002; 33 of the casualties occurred this year.
War at a 'tipping point': NATO chief
Elsewhere, NATO's top commander in Afghanistan warned Sunday that the war is "at a tipping point" and more troops are needed to defeat resurgent Taliban militants.
Gen. David Richards, a British officer who commands NATO's 32,000 troops in Afghanistan, warned in an interview with the Associated Press that Afghans could switch their allegiance to the Taliban if daily life doesn't visibly improve during the next six months. "If we collectively … do not exploit this winter to start achieving concrete and visible improvement," then some 70 per cent of Afghans could switch sides, Richards said.
Afghanistan is going through its worst bout of violence since an American-led invasion removed the former Taliban regime from power in late 2001, after the al-Qaeda attacks on the United Strates.
Last Updated: Sunday, October 8, 2006 3:22 PM ET
CBC News
A day after Canada lost its 40th soldier on the mission, Gordon O'Connor told CBC Newsworld on Sunday that the country, Britain and the United States are currently bearing most of the burden in dangerous southern Afghanistan.
Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.(DND/CP)
O'Connor said Poland recently agreed to contribute 1,000 troops to NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), but said other countries should be contributing more.
"There are larger NATO countries that have put a whole lot of restrictions on their forces. They will not move geographically from the north or from the west. Some of them will not even allow their forces to go out at night," O'Connor told the CBC.
"We want these restrictions taken off their forces so that they can be deployed by the ISAF commander anywhere in Afghanistan."
Pressed by the CBC's Carole MacNeil, who suggested he was referring to France and Germany, O'Connor said: "There's more than them," and then mentioned Italy and Spain.
He also said if there were two more battle groups from NATO countries, "then we can keep the Taliban suppressed."
He said he is lobbying for the additional forces, has asked Afghanistan to move more soldiers and police to the volatile south where Canadian soldiers are regularly fighting the Taliban, and wants Pakistan to close the border so militants cannot move back and forth.
Soldier mourned
O'Connor's plea for help came as troops mourned the death of Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, who was killed by a roadside bomb on Saturday the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar. Thirteen Canadian soldiers have died in the volatile district since Sept. 1.
Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was part of the Dragoons reconnaissance team and was based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in northeastern Ontario.
He was killed as he rode inside a Nyala armoured truck, described by the Department of National Defence as a blast-resistant vehicle. It was the first time a Canadian soldier travelling in a Nyala has been killed in Afghanistan.
Canada, which now has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan and is leading NATO's forces in the south, has lost 40 soldiers and one diplomat since it began the mission in early 2002; 33 of the casualties occurred this year.
War at a 'tipping point': NATO chief
Elsewhere, NATO's top commander in Afghanistan warned Sunday that the war is "at a tipping point" and more troops are needed to defeat resurgent Taliban militants.
Gen. David Richards, a British officer who commands NATO's 32,000 troops in Afghanistan, warned in an interview with the Associated Press that Afghans could switch their allegiance to the Taliban if daily life doesn't visibly improve during the next six months. "If we collectively … do not exploit this winter to start achieving concrete and visible improvement," then some 70 per cent of Afghans could switch sides, Richards said.
Afghanistan is going through its worst bout of violence since an American-led invasion removed the former Taliban regime from power in late 2001, after the al-Qaeda attacks on the United Strates.
Last Updated: Sunday, October 8, 2006 3:22 PM ET
CBC News
BODIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS COME HOME
The bodies of two Canadian soldiers killed in a firefight in Afghanistan returned to CFB Trenton on Friday evening, the second repatriation ceremony at the base this week.
The flag-draped coffins of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were carried by soldiers to the hearses.
The body of Cpl. Robert Mitchell arrives at CFB Trenton.
Gillam and Mitchell were killed Tuesday after insurgents attacked while they provided security to a construction project in the Panjwaii area, where Taliban fighters had been cleared from just weeks earlier. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
The pair belonged to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. Both had just recently arrived in Afghanistan.
Gillam, 40, was a native of South Branch, N.L.
Family members of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam approach the casket after arriving at CFB Trenton.
Although he had been with the military for two decades, he was on his first tour of duty. It was also his first time working away from his wife Maureen and two teenage children.
Gillam's commander, Maj. Andrew Lussie, told reporters Thursday that Gillam was able to return fire, and by doing so, probably prevented more deaths.
Mitchell, 32, is survived by his wife Leanne Hess and their three young children, aged five, three and two.
He grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., and had his first military posting with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton before returning to Ontario.
Military officials led by Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier attended the ceremony.
Their deaths came just hours before Pte. Josh Klukie, killed last Friday in Afghanistan, was returned to CFB Trenton.
Since 2002, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.
Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 11:15 PM ET
CBC News
The flag-draped coffins of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were carried by soldiers to the hearses.
The body of Cpl. Robert Mitchell arrives at CFB Trenton.
Gillam and Mitchell were killed Tuesday after insurgents attacked while they provided security to a construction project in the Panjwaii area, where Taliban fighters had been cleared from just weeks earlier. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
The pair belonged to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. Both had just recently arrived in Afghanistan.
Gillam, 40, was a native of South Branch, N.L.
Family members of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam approach the casket after arriving at CFB Trenton.
Although he had been with the military for two decades, he was on his first tour of duty. It was also his first time working away from his wife Maureen and two teenage children.
Gillam's commander, Maj. Andrew Lussie, told reporters Thursday that Gillam was able to return fire, and by doing so, probably prevented more deaths.
Mitchell, 32, is survived by his wife Leanne Hess and their three young children, aged five, three and two.
He grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., and had his first military posting with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton before returning to Ontario.
Military officials led by Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier attended the ceremony.
Their deaths came just hours before Pte. Josh Klukie, killed last Friday in Afghanistan, was returned to CFB Trenton.
Since 2002, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.
Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 11:15 PM ET
CBC News
HILLIER TO LOOK AT POLICY OF CUTTING SOLDIERS' DANDGER PAY
The head of Canada's military said Friday he's going to do something about the current practice of taking away the danger pay of wounded soldiers.
Gen. Rick Hillier said he heard about the problem last week, and has some "big-brained people" working on the issue.
Gen. Rick Hillier promises to look after wounded soldiers, who are now losing their danger pay. (Les Perreaux/Canadian Press)The effects of the policy are being felt keenly now that Canada has soldiers getting wounded on a regular basis in Afghanistan.
"We're going to look after them," Hillier told reporters during a press conference at Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
Hillier said the military won't change the rules as they stand on danger pay, but said there will be no financial penalty suffered by Canadian soldiers pulled out after being wounded.
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor also said his top staff will look into the matter.
"I've asked the senior military staff and department staff to look at how we treat wounded soldiers from a compensation point of view and they're moving quickly to look at that challenge," O'Connor said Friday
Injured soldier told in Germany
Trooper Jeffrey Hunter got the news his danger pay was being stopped shortly after he arrived at a military hospital in Germany, where he's on painkillers for a shattered leg.
Hunter, 23, was seriously wounded on Tuesday in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan that killed two other Canadian soldiers. He faces months of rehabilitation.
Under current military rules, if soldiers are injured and moved from Afghanistan, they lose their tax-free danger pay of $2,100 a month.
Military officials told the Toronto Star that the Department of Defence has the option of extending a soldier's danger pay for an extra 25 days. The military usually exercises that option to extend the benefit.
Hunter's father, Bill Hunter of Aurora, Ont., is angry and upset.
"They said they'd pay up to 25 days after leaving Afghanistan. Is the prime minister telling me I can sit my son down in 25 days and say, 'Listen, son, you're no longer in danger.' I don't think so."
It is not known when Hunter will return to Canada for further treatment.
Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 12:01 PM ET
CBC News
Gen. Rick Hillier said he heard about the problem last week, and has some "big-brained people" working on the issue.
Gen. Rick Hillier promises to look after wounded soldiers, who are now losing their danger pay. (Les Perreaux/Canadian Press)The effects of the policy are being felt keenly now that Canada has soldiers getting wounded on a regular basis in Afghanistan.
"We're going to look after them," Hillier told reporters during a press conference at Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
Hillier said the military won't change the rules as they stand on danger pay, but said there will be no financial penalty suffered by Canadian soldiers pulled out after being wounded.
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor also said his top staff will look into the matter.
"I've asked the senior military staff and department staff to look at how we treat wounded soldiers from a compensation point of view and they're moving quickly to look at that challenge," O'Connor said Friday
Injured soldier told in Germany
Trooper Jeffrey Hunter got the news his danger pay was being stopped shortly after he arrived at a military hospital in Germany, where he's on painkillers for a shattered leg.
Hunter, 23, was seriously wounded on Tuesday in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan that killed two other Canadian soldiers. He faces months of rehabilitation.
Under current military rules, if soldiers are injured and moved from Afghanistan, they lose their tax-free danger pay of $2,100 a month.
Military officials told the Toronto Star that the Department of Defence has the option of extending a soldier's danger pay for an extra 25 days. The military usually exercises that option to extend the benefit.
Hunter's father, Bill Hunter of Aurora, Ont., is angry and upset.
"They said they'd pay up to 25 days after leaving Afghanistan. Is the prime minister telling me I can sit my son down in 25 days and say, 'Listen, son, you're no longer in danger.' I don't think so."
It is not known when Hunter will return to Canada for further treatment.
Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 12:01 PM ET
CBC News
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
SEARGEANT'S HEROIC ACTION HELPED TO SAVE OTHERS
Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were killed during an attack by insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles outside Kandahar City earlier this week.
They had been providing security for road construction about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar when they came under attack.
"(Gillam) was able to shout and warn the others about this and then in about 30 seconds the other units were also attacked. Craig Gillam was able to shoot back, however he was killed in the firing," CTV's Paul Workman reported from Afghanistan on Thursday.
Gillam was the only soldier who had opportunity to shoot back when insurgents tried to sneak up on the observation post to set up an ambush, Maj. Andrew Lussier, Gillam and Mitchell's commander, told the Canadian Press.
Seconds later, the insurgents attacked two other two posts.
Because of Gillam's heroism, the insurgents were forced to retreat, Lussier said after a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.
"His actions, I'm certain, saved the lives of the remainder of the patrol," said Lussier, leader of a surveillance and reconnaissance squadron of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Five out of eight soldiers in the observation post were wounded in Tuesday's attack.
About 1,500 soldiers, most of them Canadian, lined the runway just after sunrise to bid farewell to the two soldiers Thursday morning. Pallbearers carried the flag-draped caskets to an aircraft for the flight to Canada from the Kandahar base.
With 12 Canadians killed between Sept. 3 and Oct. 3, other attacks this week had set troops' nerves on edge, but those were thwarted without casualties.
The area has seen renewed fighting since an operation to take back the same Panjwaii area in September, which officials say have killed hundreds of insurgents. Seven Canadians have died trying to secure the area.
Gillam, who was from South Branch, N.L., and Mitchell, who grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., were both with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont.
Gillam was about a month away from a visit home to Petawawa, where he planned to spend time with his wife Maureen and two teenage children.
His aunt, who with his grandparents helped raise him, told the Canadian Press they spoke last Sunday.
He told her that he wanted to leave the Canadian Forces if he was to be sent back to Afghanistan for a second time, she said.
"He didn't want to go," Rita Gillam said through tears as family members gathered at her home. "He wanted to come home."
Gillam recalled how the 20-year Forces veteran came home to South Branch, N.L. every summer and Christmas with his 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son to help the family prepare for the area's sometimes harsh winters.
He would haul wood and do repairs to the house near the farm he worked for his grandparents.
"He was like that all his life, even when he was a kid," she said.
"He was a very hard worker and was really devoted to his family."
Reached at her home in Petawawa, Mitchell's grieving widow Leeanne said she and her three children -- ages five, three and two -- were coping with the tragedy.
"Not so bad," she told CP when asked how she was doing.
But she declined further comment.
"I'll be releasing a statement later on and that will give all the information that I'm ready to give out."
Gillam and Mitchell are the 38th and 39th Canadian soldiers to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
06/10/2006 12:07:30 AM
They had been providing security for road construction about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar when they came under attack.
"(Gillam) was able to shout and warn the others about this and then in about 30 seconds the other units were also attacked. Craig Gillam was able to shoot back, however he was killed in the firing," CTV's Paul Workman reported from Afghanistan on Thursday.
Gillam was the only soldier who had opportunity to shoot back when insurgents tried to sneak up on the observation post to set up an ambush, Maj. Andrew Lussier, Gillam and Mitchell's commander, told the Canadian Press.
Seconds later, the insurgents attacked two other two posts.
Because of Gillam's heroism, the insurgents were forced to retreat, Lussier said after a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.
"His actions, I'm certain, saved the lives of the remainder of the patrol," said Lussier, leader of a surveillance and reconnaissance squadron of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Five out of eight soldiers in the observation post were wounded in Tuesday's attack.
About 1,500 soldiers, most of them Canadian, lined the runway just after sunrise to bid farewell to the two soldiers Thursday morning. Pallbearers carried the flag-draped caskets to an aircraft for the flight to Canada from the Kandahar base.
With 12 Canadians killed between Sept. 3 and Oct. 3, other attacks this week had set troops' nerves on edge, but those were thwarted without casualties.
The area has seen renewed fighting since an operation to take back the same Panjwaii area in September, which officials say have killed hundreds of insurgents. Seven Canadians have died trying to secure the area.
Gillam, who was from South Branch, N.L., and Mitchell, who grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., were both with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont.
Gillam was about a month away from a visit home to Petawawa, where he planned to spend time with his wife Maureen and two teenage children.
His aunt, who with his grandparents helped raise him, told the Canadian Press they spoke last Sunday.
He told her that he wanted to leave the Canadian Forces if he was to be sent back to Afghanistan for a second time, she said.
"He didn't want to go," Rita Gillam said through tears as family members gathered at her home. "He wanted to come home."
Gillam recalled how the 20-year Forces veteran came home to South Branch, N.L. every summer and Christmas with his 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son to help the family prepare for the area's sometimes harsh winters.
He would haul wood and do repairs to the house near the farm he worked for his grandparents.
"He was like that all his life, even when he was a kid," she said.
"He was a very hard worker and was really devoted to his family."
Reached at her home in Petawawa, Mitchell's grieving widow Leeanne said she and her three children -- ages five, three and two -- were coping with the tragedy.
"Not so bad," she told CP when asked how she was doing.
But she declined further comment.
"I'll be releasing a statement later on and that will give all the information that I'm ready to give out."
Gillam and Mitchell are the 38th and 39th Canadian soldiers to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
06/10/2006 12:07:30 AM
Thursday, October 05, 2006
2 CANADIAN SOLDIERS INJURED; by roadside bomb
Canadian soldiers were attacked by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan for the third day in a row on Wednesday, but only two were slightly injured when a roadside bomb hit an armoured vehicle.
Two soldiers injured in the roadside bombing were taken to a forward base for medical treatment but will likely return to duty quickly, a Canadian military official said.
Also Wednesday, several rocket-propelled grenades were fired at a Canadian camp.
The attacks come a day after two Canadian soldiers, Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, were killed and five other soldiers injured.
They were providing security for a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City when they were attacked at about 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
Gillam was born in Stephenville Crossing, N.L., while Mitchell was born in Owen Sound, Ont. The Afghan mission had been the first deployment for both men, who left for Kandhar in August.
The latest attacks also occurred west of Kandahar City. The region was considered to be Taliban hotbed before Canadian troops led a NATO operation to clear insurgents out of the area. NATO officials said the operation, dubbed Medusa, killed hundreds of insurgents.
Mark Laity, spokesperson for NATO in Kabul, told CBC News early Wednesday that the area where the most recent attacks have occurred is still very dangerous for NATO soldiers, although it is safer after Operation Medusa.
He said the Taliban have resorted to their usual tactics involving improvised explosive devices, hit-and-run attacks, sneaking in under the cover of darkness to launch attacks, and disguising themselves as civilians so that they can detonate bombs without warning.
"This is, I'm afraid, a marathon, not a sprint. This is hard to stop," he said early Wednesday. "Without doubt, this is a dangerous area. It's safer but still dangerous. It requires good competent soldiering."
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 2:29 PM ET
CBC News
Two soldiers injured in the roadside bombing were taken to a forward base for medical treatment but will likely return to duty quickly, a Canadian military official said.
Also Wednesday, several rocket-propelled grenades were fired at a Canadian camp.
The attacks come a day after two Canadian soldiers, Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, were killed and five other soldiers injured.
They were providing security for a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City when they were attacked at about 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
Gillam was born in Stephenville Crossing, N.L., while Mitchell was born in Owen Sound, Ont. The Afghan mission had been the first deployment for both men, who left for Kandhar in August.
The latest attacks also occurred west of Kandahar City. The region was considered to be Taliban hotbed before Canadian troops led a NATO operation to clear insurgents out of the area. NATO officials said the operation, dubbed Medusa, killed hundreds of insurgents.
Mark Laity, spokesperson for NATO in Kabul, told CBC News early Wednesday that the area where the most recent attacks have occurred is still very dangerous for NATO soldiers, although it is safer after Operation Medusa.
He said the Taliban have resorted to their usual tactics involving improvised explosive devices, hit-and-run attacks, sneaking in under the cover of darkness to launch attacks, and disguising themselves as civilians so that they can detonate bombs without warning.
"This is, I'm afraid, a marathon, not a sprint. This is hard to stop," he said early Wednesday. "Without doubt, this is a dangerous area. It's safer but still dangerous. It requires good competent soldiering."
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 2:29 PM ET
CBC News
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
ANOTHER 2 CANADIANS KILLED IN AFGAN ATTACK IN LESS THAN A WEEK
Two Canadians were killed and five other soldiers injured in southern Afghanistan, military officials said Tuesday.
The soldiers were involved in a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar at about 4:50 p.m. when they came under attack from a handful of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.
Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)
Canadian military officials identified the dead as Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ont.
Gillam was a native of South Branch, a small community in the Codroy Valley on Newfoundland's west coast.
Mitchell lived in the Niagara Falls area, but grew up partly in Owen Sound, Ont. His parents still live there.
Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)
"They were members of the surveillance troop … a reconnaissance squadron," said Col. Fred Lewis, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "They were conducting vehicle checkpoints and observation posts at the time."
Two of the injured are in serious but stable condition. All were evacuated to Kandahar airfield, the main coalition base.
"Almost immediately other forces responded to it, treated and medevaced the casualties, and carried on with the operation," said Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie, the ground-level commander of Canada's fighting force.
The attack occurred in the Panjwaii district, which had largely been cleared of Taliban insurgents in recent weeks as part of Operation Medusa.
"The last thing that the Taliban want is success in the final phase of Op Medusa," said Lewis, referring to the reconstruction effort.
"That is the phase that will sway the inhabitants one way or the other in terms of whether they want to support their own government or the Taliban," he added.
Canada has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan, most operating in Kandahar province.
With the latest deaths, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since the mission started four years ago.
In an incident earlier Tuesday, Canadian troops escaped injury after a suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked near Kandahar city.
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 5:22 AM ET
CBC News
The soldiers were involved in a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar at about 4:50 p.m. when they came under attack from a handful of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.
Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)
Canadian military officials identified the dead as Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ont.
Gillam was a native of South Branch, a small community in the Codroy Valley on Newfoundland's west coast.
Mitchell lived in the Niagara Falls area, but grew up partly in Owen Sound, Ont. His parents still live there.
Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)
"They were members of the surveillance troop … a reconnaissance squadron," said Col. Fred Lewis, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "They were conducting vehicle checkpoints and observation posts at the time."
Two of the injured are in serious but stable condition. All were evacuated to Kandahar airfield, the main coalition base.
"Almost immediately other forces responded to it, treated and medevaced the casualties, and carried on with the operation," said Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie, the ground-level commander of Canada's fighting force.
The attack occurred in the Panjwaii district, which had largely been cleared of Taliban insurgents in recent weeks as part of Operation Medusa.
"The last thing that the Taliban want is success in the final phase of Op Medusa," said Lewis, referring to the reconstruction effort.
"That is the phase that will sway the inhabitants one way or the other in terms of whether they want to support their own government or the Taliban," he added.
Canada has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan, most operating in Kandahar province.
With the latest deaths, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since the mission started four years ago.
In an incident earlier Tuesday, Canadian troops escaped injury after a suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked near Kandahar city.
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 5:22 AM ET
CBC News
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
MILITARY IDENTIFIES CANADIAN SOLDIER - killed in Afghan blast
Canadian military officials released on Saturday the identity of a soldier from Thunder Bay, Ont., who was killed while on foot patrol west of Kandahar.
Pte. Josh Klukie, a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which is based at CFB Petawawa near Ottawa, died Friday after triggering what may have been an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road in Afghanistan's Panjwaii district.
Private Josh Klukie, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 in Afghanistan. (Department of National Defence)Military officials have not released his age. His remains have been flown to Kandahar airfield.
A woman at the home of Klukie's mother in Thunder Bay told the Canadian Press on Saturday that the family had no comment.
Capt. Jim Davis of Thunder Bay's Lake Superior Scottish Regiment said a public affairs officer from Winnipeg was en route to Klukie's hometown. Davis said officials were trying to organize a news conference where a family representative would likely speak to the media.
PM offers condolences
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences Saturday to Klukie's family and friends.
"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated," Harper said in a statement. "We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."
The military said one other soldier, Cpl. James Miller, of Hamilton, became deaf in his left ear and suffered a possible concussion in the incident.
Col. Fred Lewis said the soldiers were on patrol on a combat road created by a bulldozer for Operation Medusa, the large-scale offensive aimed at driving Taliban fighters from their strongholds in southern Afghanistan.
Device planted in road
He said an IED or a landmine planted in the road and one of the soldiers triggered it.
"The use of IEDs by insurgents indicates their callous lack of regard for people in the region," Lewis said. "It could have just as easily been a bunch of children playing in the area."
Lewis said it appeared unlikely the device had been set off by remote control.
The news came the same day funerals were scheduled for three of four Canadian soldiers killed earlier this month. They died when a suicide bomber on a bicycle detonated a device near the Canadians, who were on foot patrol.
Speaking from Kabul, NATO spokesman Mark Laity told CBC Newsworld soldiers know it is dangerous to get out of the armoured vehicles, but believe it is necessary if they want to win the "hearts and minds" of Afghans.
"These are soldiers. They understand they have to take these risks," he said.
Last Updated: Saturday, September 30, 2006 5:45 PM ET
CBC News
Pte. Josh Klukie, a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which is based at CFB Petawawa near Ottawa, died Friday after triggering what may have been an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road in Afghanistan's Panjwaii district.
Private Josh Klukie, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 in Afghanistan. (Department of National Defence)Military officials have not released his age. His remains have been flown to Kandahar airfield.
A woman at the home of Klukie's mother in Thunder Bay told the Canadian Press on Saturday that the family had no comment.
Capt. Jim Davis of Thunder Bay's Lake Superior Scottish Regiment said a public affairs officer from Winnipeg was en route to Klukie's hometown. Davis said officials were trying to organize a news conference where a family representative would likely speak to the media.
PM offers condolences
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences Saturday to Klukie's family and friends.
"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated," Harper said in a statement. "We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."
The military said one other soldier, Cpl. James Miller, of Hamilton, became deaf in his left ear and suffered a possible concussion in the incident.
Col. Fred Lewis said the soldiers were on patrol on a combat road created by a bulldozer for Operation Medusa, the large-scale offensive aimed at driving Taliban fighters from their strongholds in southern Afghanistan.
Device planted in road
He said an IED or a landmine planted in the road and one of the soldiers triggered it.
"The use of IEDs by insurgents indicates their callous lack of regard for people in the region," Lewis said. "It could have just as easily been a bunch of children playing in the area."
Lewis said it appeared unlikely the device had been set off by remote control.
The news came the same day funerals were scheduled for three of four Canadian soldiers killed earlier this month. They died when a suicide bomber on a bicycle detonated a device near the Canadians, who were on foot patrol.
Speaking from Kabul, NATO spokesman Mark Laity told CBC Newsworld soldiers know it is dangerous to get out of the armoured vehicles, but believe it is necessary if they want to win the "hearts and minds" of Afghans.
"These are soldiers. They understand they have to take these risks," he said.
Last Updated: Saturday, September 30, 2006 5:45 PM ET
CBC News
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