Roadside bomb in Afghanistan kills female Canadian soldier, four more injured
Killed in action, Karine Balis, 21. She died when a bomb exploded near Kandahar. DND Photo
OTTAWA – Another female Canadian soldier has been killed by a roadside bomb which also injured four of her comrades near Kandahar in Afghanistan, DND announced Tuesday.
Their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device north of Kandahar City in the Shah Wali Kowt District, DND said in a statement.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m., Kandahar time, on April 13, 2009.
The fallen soldier is Trooper Karine Blais, 21, from 12 Régiment Blindé du Canada based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier. Trooper Blais was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22 Régiment Battle Group.
The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. Their names will not be released.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of our fallen comrade during this difficult time,” said the DND
“All members of Task Force Kandahar are thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrades during this sad time. We will not forget their sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province,” said the statement
Canada has faced mounting casualties in Afghanistan this year. On March 20, four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others injured. Capt. Nichola Goddard was the first female soldier to be killed in action. She died in 2006.
Blais is the 117th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002 and observers say the Taliban insurgency is gaining momentum despite the deployment of NATO troops for seven years.
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