Candian Soldier killed In Firefight
Canadian soldier killed in firefight in Afghanistan; investigation launched
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By Tobi Cohen, The Canadian Press
ZHARI DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan has offered his condolences to the family of Master Cpl. Josh Roberts who was killed in a firefight involving coalition troops, insurgents and security personnel from a civil
More..ian convoy.
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson provided few details on the complicated circumstances of the battle but said an investigation is underway into the death of the soon-to-be father who was shot early Saturday.
Canadian troops were engaging a group of about 15 insurgents along a rugged tract of farmland in the volatile Zhari district, an area known to be a Taliban hotbed. But a convoy from a private security company was passing by and may have accidentally opened fire on the troops.
"There was a civilian convoy in the vicinity and the incident will be investigated," Thompson told reporters at Kandahar Airfield, the main coalition base in the southern province.
"The death of Roberts is being investigated and until we have conclusive results of the investigation, I can't give you a definitive statement."
Roberts, of Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based out of Shilo, Man., served as a crew commander with the 9th Platoon, Charlie Company.
He was shot while in the turret of his armoured vehicle.
He was involved in an operation with the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and their Canadian Forces mentors at the time.
"We are deeply affected by this loss. Josh will be greatly missed by his military family," Thompson said.
"As task force commander, I offer my deepest condolences to the members of Josh's family, to his fiancee, and to his friends and colleagues. Know that we stand with you in your grief, and we will do all we can to help you through the difficult days ahead."
Capt. Scott MacGregor, acting C Company commander, described Roberts as a "bang-on-guy, a soldier's soldier."
"No matter where he worked or who he worked with, he just fit in well with everybody," he said.
Calling it "one of those tragic stories," MacGregor said the Saskatchewan native had recently switched to the regular force from the reserves and was expecting a child within the next month.
Roberts is the 89th Canadian soldier to die in Canada's mission to Afghanistan. A Canadian diplomat was also killed in the country. Less..
Added: Aug 9 2008 In: middle_east
By: TheGh0st 
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