A 24-year-old Australian special forces soldier has been killed by an
improvised explosive device during a mission to target insurgents in
southern Afghanistan.Chief of Defence General David Hurley told a
Canberra press conference that the soldier, from the Special Operations
Task Group, died late last night, Australian time.He said the mission, being carried out with Afghan personnel, was still underway.

"The
task group was conducting a disruption operation against an insurgent
network that directly influences insurgent activity in Uruzgan," General
Hurley said.


We have lost a brave soldier who was going about difficult and
dangerous work in Afghanistan .. and his loss will be mourned by the
whole nation.

PM Julia Gillard



"The soldier was clearing a compound when an IED detonated, killing him instantly.

"No other Australian or Afghanistan personnel were killed or wounded in the incident.

"The
special operations mission remains ongoing so I cannot provide specific
details about the location or the mission itself without risking the
safety of this young man's comrades."General Hurley said the
mission was being carried out in "bordering areas" of Uruzgan province,
where Australian troops last week took over responsibility from US
forces.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-22/australian-soldier-killed-on-afghan-mission/4326126