A 24-YEAR-OLD Commando from South Australia has become the nation's 39th fallen warrior from the war in Afghanistan.
The special forces operator was on a search and destroy, or "disruption", foot patrol on Sunday afternoon with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Afghan security forces when he was killed instantly by an insurgent bomb.The patrol was clearing a mud-walled compound known locally as a qala. The Digger from the 2nd Commando Regiment was the only casualty.He was declared dead at a coalition medical facility before his body was flown back to Tarin Kowt by helicopter.
Elite troops from the SAS and commandos routinely raid qalas, usually at night, to capture or eliminate insurgent leaders and bomb makers.
Eighteen special forces soldiers have fallen in action in Afghanistan since February 2002, including six killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Digger killed by bomb in Afghanistan
Defence refused to release any details about the soldier due to family reasons or of the operation itself because the mission, against an known insurgent network, was ongoing.Chief of Defence General David Hurley said the soldier was highly qualified with operational experience.
"His commanding officer described him as an exceptional soldier who will be remembered as genuine, honest and dedicated," General Hurley said.
"His loss will be deeply felt by those who knew him.
"On behalf of the army and the defence community, I offer my deepest sympathy to the soldier's family and friends."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned that there would be ongoing fighting against insurgents in Oruzgan Province.
"We have lost a brave soldier who was going about difficult and dangerous work in Afghanistan. That is clear to us. And his loss will be mourned by the whole nation," Ms Gillard said.
She said the mission to prepare Afghan national forces to take over security responsibility from Australian and coalition forces remained on track despite the dangers.
"What we are seeking to do is to build up the capability of Afghan forces so they can take the fight to the insurgents. And we are on track with that training mission."
Ms Gillard visited Afghanistan a week ago and she said the morale of Australian troops was high and they were determined to see the mission through.
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Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who stands firmly behind the government, said all Australians would feel the loss of the seventh Australian soldier to fall this year.
"Like all who have served our country, and who serve our country in the Australian Defence Force, he sought to make the world a safer place. All Australians honour him," he said.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the government believed that completing the mission in Afghanistan was in the national interest.
"We believe we are on track to transition to Afghan-led security responsibility overall in Oruzgan Province over the next 12 to 15 months," he said.
"It continues to be difficult and dangerous and that will remain the case."
Greens leader Christine Milne expressed her condolences and urged the government to bring our troops home as swiftly and safely as possible.
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