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HALIFAX, N.S. - Canada's latest contribution to the war on terrorism and piracy slipped out of Halifax harbour in driving rain Sunday on a six-month deployment to the Middle East. Before it left, family and friends gathered on the deck and in the helicopter bay of HMCS Fredericton for a couple of hours to bid an emotional farewell to the 245 crew members who won't be returning until next spring. As Evan and Bianca Entwhistle hugged, their 20-month-old son Finn sandwiched between them, it was hard to distinguish the tears from the rain. "The sad part with this little guy...

Sapper Alexandre Beaudin-D'Anjou, his face still bloodied and badly swollen one day after a homemade landmine had killed two of his colleagues last week, announced he would answer questions about the awful incident, but only after making a statement. In what was an exceptional "cri de coeur" to his countrymen on the home front, the young combat engineer from Quebec City declared: "I want to say that part of the Canadian population negatively views the work that we do here, above all because they don't understand what we do. In my opinion, the majority of the Afghan population benefits from...

Two Canadian soldiers killed and five injured in an explosive device strikeCEFCOM NR–09.023 - September 6, 2009OTTAWA – Two Canadian soldiers were killed and five injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle in the vicinity of Dand District, approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City at around 12:00 p.m., Kandahar time, on 6 September 2009. Killed in action was Corporal Jean-François Drouin from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec. Killed in action was Major Yannick Pépin also from 5e...

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Canadian troops have moved into several villages to the southwest of Kandahar City in the past few days to live among the population and be much closer to the heart of the Taliban insurgency. The move to have troops dwell in small communities, such as Zhalakhan and Baladay, coincides with orders by U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal, the new commander of all NATO forces in Afghanistan appointed by President Barack Obama, to focus on populated areas in order to separate the Taliban from the people. The four-star general's directive to "clear, hold and build" fits with...

Media AdvisoryOur Fallen Comrades Return HomeLFCA MA 09-20 - August 3, 2009OTTAWA – Our fallen comrades, Sapper Matthieu Allard and Corporal Christian Bobbitt, will return to Canada on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Both men were from the 5e Régiment du génie, a combat engineer Regiment based in Valcartier, Quebec, and were serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group in Afghanistan. Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. What: At the wishes of the families, media will be permitted on the tarmac. Present to pay their respects will be...

Two Canadian soldiers killed and one injured in an explosive device strikeCEFCOM NR–09.021 - August 2, 2009OTTAWA – Two Canadian soldiers were killed and one injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near a patrol in the Zhari District. The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City at around 3:20 p.m., Kandahar time, on 1 August, 2009. Killed in action was Corporal Christian Bobbitt from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec. The next of kin for the second soldier killed has...

Last week the Toronto Star ran a disturbing front page headlined story about suicides in the Canadian military, and cited evidence that the stress of overseas missions may result in criminal acts by returned veterans. The renewed concern about suicide and stress disorder among the military has intensified since Maj. Michelle Mendes, a fast-tracked and respected intelligence officer, committed suicide shortly after arriving in Afghanistan in April. Now research is underway among veterans, dating back to the Korean war and peacekeeping, to see if there's a pattern of what they went through that may have affected their later lives. Soldiers...

Our Fallen Airman and Fallen Soldier Return HomeLFCA MA 09-13 - July 8, 2009OTTAWA – Our fallen airman, Master Corporal Pat Audet from 430 Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères, based at Canadians Forces Base Valcartier and our fallen soldier, Corporal Martin Joannette from the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City, return home to Canada tomorrow. Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. What: At the request of the families, media will be permitted on the tarmac. Present to pay their respects will be the Minister...

Helicopter Crash - Two Canadian and one ISAF soldier have died and three others injuredCEFCOM NR–09.019 - July 7, 2009OTTAWA– Two Canadian air crew members and one ISAF soldier were killed when a Canadian CH-146 Griffon helicopter crashed during take-off. The incident occurred at a Forward Operating Base in Tarnak Va Jaldak, Zabul Province, northeast of Kandahar City at around 1:50 p.m., Kandahar time, on 6 July 2009. Killed in action were MCpl Pat Audet from 430e Escadron tactique d'hélicoptères based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier and Cpl Martin Joannette from the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment based at Canadian...

Canadian soldier dies in Quebec hospital from injuries sustained in AfghanistanCLS NR–09.001 - July 5, 2009OTTAWA– A Canadian soldier who recently sustained serious injuries in Afghanistan passed away in a Quebec hospital yesterday. The deceased is Master-Corporal Charles-Philippe Michaud from the 2e Batallion, Royal 22e Régiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. At approximately 9:15 a.m. Kandahar time on June 23, 2009, Master-Corporal Michaud was seriously injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his dismounted patrol in Panjwayi District, southwest of Kandahar City. Master-Corporal Michaud was evacuated by helicopter to the coalition medical facility at...

One Canadian soldier killed in an explosive device strikeCEFCOM NR–09.015 - June 14, 2009OTTAWA - A Canadian soldier was killed as a result of an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED). The incident occurred in the vicinity of Panjwayi District, approximately 20 km southwest of Kandahar City at around 12:30 p.m., Kandahar time, June 14, 2009. Killed in action was Corporal Martin Dubé from the 5e Régiment de genie de combat based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. He was serving as a member of the Joint Task Force Headquarters. Corporal Dubé was responding to a call...

PM travels to Afghanistan Announces additional support to help 18,000 children in Kandahar 7 May 2009 KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN Prime Minister Stephen Harper today travelled to Afghanistan, where he visited with Canadian Forces and civilian personnel stationed in Kandahar. “From the very first day of the Afghan mission the men and women of the Canadian Forces and civilian officials, have served courageously and selflessly to help the people of Afghanistan build a better future,” said the Prime Minister. “Over the course of this mission our men and women in Afghanistan have made incredible sacrifices to defend our values and our interests....

Our fallen soldier returns home Our fallen soldier returns homeLFCA MA 09-09 - April 25, 2009OTTAWA – Our fallen soldier, Major Michelle Mendes, based in Ottawa, Ontario, will return home to Canada on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. What: At the wishes of the family, media will not be permitted on the tarmac. Present to pay their respects will be The Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk, and other dignitaries. Major Mendes was found...

Army News videos: Historian explains battle of Passchendaele, Part 1Historian explains battle of Passchendaele, Part 2Thursday, April 23, 2009 Ottawa, ON – Norman Leach discusses the bravery and strategy of WWI Canadian soldiers.

One Canadian Soldier Dies in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–09.011 - April 24, 2009OTTAWA – At approximately 4:00 p.m. Kandahar time, 23 April 2009, a Canadian Forces member was found dead in her accommodation room, at Kandahar Airfield. Deceased is Major Michelle Mendes, based in Ottawa, Ontario. An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident. No further details are available at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our...

Our Fallen Soldier Returns HomeLFCA MA 09-07 - April 15, 2009OTTAWA – Our fallen soldier, Trooper Karine Blais, from 12e Régiment Blindé du Canada based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, Quebec, will return home to Canada on Thursday, April 16, 2009. Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. What: At the wishes of the family, media will not be permitted on the tarmac. Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay,...

Canadian warship thwarts pirates again For the second time in a week, a Canadian warship has helped fend off a potential attack from pirates off the coast of Somalia. The HMCS Winnipeg — which is taking part in the NATO-led counter-piracy mission known as Operation Allied Protector — and a Spanish ship responded Friday night after a civilian vessel sent out a distress call following an apparent pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden.

MA'SUM GHAR - Canadian soldiers on the front lines in Afghanistan have welcomed U.S. President Barack Obama's announcement that more American reinforcements will be on the way. At the Ma'sum Ghar military base - an outpost in western Kandahar where Canadian soldiers are managing development projects in an area with a heavy Taliban presence - news about an additional 21,000 U.S. troops was gladly received. Obama's announcement on Friday of the dispatch of 4,000 new troops came on the heels of an earlier planned deployment of 17,000 U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan. "We need more troops," Master Seaman Lee Bickerstaffe of...

OTTAWA -- As Canadians mourn the loss of four more fallen soldiers in Afghanistan, a videotaped segment of an American TV talk show where panelists mock Canadian soldiers as slackers is making the rounds on the Internet. The five-minute segment, which aired recently on Fox News late-night program Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld and later posted on YouTube.com, features American panelists suggesting Canadian soldiers need time off for "manicures and pedicures." The item aired after Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Canadian Forces Chief of Land Staff, told a Senate committee the military would need a one-year break from operations after the...

KANDAHAR — Four Canadian soldiers are dead and at least eight others injured in two separate bombings outside of Kandahar city. Master Corporal Scott Vernelli and Corporal Tyler Crooks died in a blast that occurred during a morning foot patrol in the restive Zhari district, west of Kandahar. Later, Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes were killed when a roadside bomb exploded in the Shah Wali Kot district, a region northwest of the city that's seeing an increase in Taliban activity. Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, is urging Canadians not to consider the...

The announcement Air Canada passengers all too frequently hear at the beginning of their domestic flights is solemn and respectful. It tells them their flight is also carrying a deceased member of the Forces home to his or her family. But the respect afforded fallen personnel begins long before passengers board. At Toronto Pearson International Airport, there are only two things that can bring an entire operating ramp to a halt: lightning, and a fallen member of the CF being carried home. The Air Canada Cargo team at Toronto Pearson has long had a respectful process in place for the...

KANDAHAR -- President Hamid Karzai declared Saturday that Afghanistan's presidential election should be held within the next two months, in keeping with the country's constitution. Afghanistan's independent election commission earlier had pushed the vote back to Aug. 20 because of security and logistical concerns. In recent weeks, however, Karzai was under increasing pressure from opponents who accused him of using the delay to illegally extend his term, which ends May 21. Saturday's move puts the question of the vote's constitutionality squarely at the feet of the commission, but risks putting Karzai further at odds with his western allies who supported...

News ReleaseTwo Canadian soldiers killed and four injured in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–08.046 - December 28, 2008OTTAWA– Two Canadian soldiers, as well as one member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter were killed on December 27, 2008, when an explosive device detonated in their vicinity in the Panjwayi District. Four other Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were injured in the incident, which occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time, approximately 25 kilometres west of Kandahar City. The soldiers were conducting security operations in the area when the explosion occurred. Killed in action was Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, from...

Canadian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan CEFCOM NR–08.045 - December 27, 2008 OTTAWA – One Canadian soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District about 12:45 p.m. Kandahar time, December 26, 2008. The fallen soldier is Private Michael Freeman of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Petawawa. All members of Task Force Kandahar are thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this time of sorrow. The dedication and sacrifice of soldiers like Private Michael Freeman is helping to make a difference in...

News Release Canadian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan CEFCOM NR–08.044 - December 26, 2008 OTTAWA – One Canadian soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District about 12:45 p.m. Kandahar time, December 26, 2008. The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield where all the soldiers are reported to be in good condition. Next of kin have been notified. The identity of the deceased soldier is being withheld at the request of the family. -30-

PANJWAII DISTRICT, Afghanistan -- Christmas on Afghanistan's front lines was as festive as a company of tired soldiers could make it. There was turkey and trimmings, red Santa hats, as well as a Christmas tree decorated in candy canes and photos of pretty girls. There was even beer, a special treat for a bunch of guys who hadn't tasted alcohol in nearly four months. Despite the festivities, it was hard for the soldiers to forget why they're there. Just days before, the members of Mike company -- who man this forward-operating base deep in Taliban territory -- were trading fire...

C.F.B. GAGETOWN, N.B.–Just over a week before a roadside bomb ended his young life, Justin Jones was at home in Newfoundland, celebrating a trio of events with his family and eagerly awaiting his return to Afghanistan. The rookie soldier was back in Baie Verte for two weeks to mark an early Christmas, his 21st birthday and his beloved grandparents' 50th anniversary. It was a brief respite from his first tour in Afghanistan, where he had deployed in August with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick. He was expected to stay until March or...

Three Canadian soldiers killed and one injured in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR 08.043 - December 14, 2008OTTAWA – Three Canadian soldiers were killed and one was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008. Killed in action were Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones. These soldiers were all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as...

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan–Three more Canadian soldiers died Saturday after an improvised explosive device detonated on a stretch of road just west of Kandahar city, pushing Canada's death toll from the Afghan mission to 103. The Canadian Forces did not immediately release the names of the dead soldiers or their hometowns as it continued efforts to reach all next-of-kin Saturday, but a spokesperson said all "primary family members" had already been contacted. The latest deaths come just eight days after Warrant Officer Robert Wilson, Cpl. Mark McLaren and Pte. Demetrios Diplaros were killed when their armoured vehicle struck an IED while on...

PRIME MINISTER HARPER PARTICIPATES IN “TREES FOR TROOPS” Provides an additional 35 minutes of free phone time for overseas Canadian Forces personnel CFB PETAWAWA – The families of Canadian Forces Personnel serving overseas will be receiving Christmas trees thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association. “Nothing sustains the morale of our brave men and women in uniform more than the knowledge that the people back home appreciate the often difficult and dangerous work they do for us,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper who participated in the ‘Trees for Troops’ event. “This is a genuinely kind...

News ReleaseThree Canadian soldiers killed in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR 08.040 - December 5, 2008OTTAWA – Three Canadian soldiers were killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on their armoured vehicle during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time on 5 December 2008. The Canadian soldiers were participating in a vehicle patrol with their Afghan colleagues when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. The three soldiers were killed instantly by the explosion. Killed in action...

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Canadian and international troops plan on a continued campaign of harassing the Taliban in southern Afghanistan during what traditionally have been the slow winter months. The Taliban generally use the winter to reload for the busy fighting season which begins in the spring. Their fighters are ill-equipped to handle Afghanistan's harsh winter climate and often members of the leadership return home to their families in the larger cities or in Pakistan. But that will not be the case this year. Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Task Force Kandahar, is taking the approach that the best defence is...

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The work day all but over Saturday, Bombardier Hollie Speers did what a lot of Canadians are thinking about these days: she voted in an advance poll. Unlike the average voter, though, Bombardier Speers cast her ballot with an assault rifle slung over her shoulder, at a polling booth deep in Taliban country. She was part of a Herculean effort to ensure that hundreds of Canadian troops in Afghanistan get a chance to exercise their democratic franchise, between firefights and reconstruction projects. So far, the project has been a surprising success. The 75% poll turnout at Bombardier...

News ReleaseThree Canadian soldiers killed and five injured in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–08.044 - September 3, 2008OTTAWA – Three Canadian soldiers were killed and five injured after an insurgent attack on their armoured vehicle while they were conducting a security patrol in Zharey district at approximately 9:30 a.m., Kandahar time, on September 3, 2008. The fallen soldiers are Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie, and Private Chadwick James Horn. All three soldiers were infantrymen with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba. The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Facility...

News ReleaseCanadian Forces Continue Assistance with U.S. Hurricane Response EffortsNR#08.008 - September 1, 2008OTTAWA - The Government of Canada, in response to a request from the United States Government, deployed additional aircraft today to Florida to assist with search and rescue efforts in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. Two CC-130 Hercules aircraft deployed from 14 Wing, Greenwood, N.S. and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, to provide assistance with the next phase of hurricane relief efforts. The two planes were sent to the United States under the provisions of the Civil Assistance Plan as part of Operation UNIFY, the official designation for the...

News ReleaseNames released of two Canadian soldiers killed in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–08.039 - August 21, 2008OTTAWA – The other two soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on 20 August 2008 were: Corporal Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, and Sapper Stephan John Stock. Both soldiers were combat engineers with 12 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment from Edmonton, Alberta, and attached to the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group. -30-

KANDAHAR - Three Canadian soldiers have been killed in Zhari district in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device. One soldier was also seriously injured after the device detonated near their vehicle at about 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday. One of the soldiers has been identified as Sgt. Shawn Eades, who was on his third tour in Afghanistan and is being described as a devoted father. The families have all been notified, but the Department of National Defence is not releasing the names of the other soldiers at this point. The three soldiers were combat engineers with 12 Field Squadron,...

Canada A.M. Special Report on Canadian Soldiers (videos) http://www.ctv.ca/canadaam

KANEOHE BAY, HawaiiMembers of Alpha Company from the Edmonton-based 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia´s Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI), discovered that out for themselves at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2008 currently underway in Hawaii from June 29 to July 31. The technique—called fast roping—is used by the Marines in an area where a helicopter can´t land—such as a rooftop. The helicopter hovers over the objective as the troops quickly lower themselves to the ground using only a rope. Fast roping is a form of repelling but only the hands are used, thereby giving soldiers a quicker start once...

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Canadian soldiers appear to have caught the Taliban off guard in a large multi-national operation in the lawless region of western Kandahar province where insurgents have usually felt relatively safe. In a secret mission that started last week, but was only just now made public, Canadians joined forces with American, British and Afghan forces to drive into the notorious Maywand district, a centre of Afghanistan's opium industry. Military officials won't reveal how many troops are taking part in the ongoing operation but say they have so far seized large quantities of bomb-making equipment and drugs. "Narcotics, weapons,...

British ready to boost Afghan deploymentMove would help Canadians stationed in south AfghanistanBritish officials strongly hinted that they may increase troop numbers in Afghanistan, a move that would be a boon to Canadian forces in the region. The British Defence Minister strongly hinted on Thursday that he was prepared to significantly boost the number of troops sent to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. British military officials are believed to have been in discussions about increasing the number of troops to 14,000 from 8,200 -- a move that would be good news for Canadian troops fighting the hard-line Islamic insurgents in...

On Friday, another Canadian was killed in Afghanistan. Corporal James Arnal, 25, was the 89th brave Canadian -- 88 soldiers and one diplomat -- to have died there since our mission began six years ago. He was killed by a roadside bomb while out on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan. It was only natural that, over time, the shock of Canadian combat deaths would wear off, and so news of Canadian fatalities would begin to slip from the front pages. Yet each death of a young soldier killed in the line of duty is tragic, and none more so than...

Canadian Soldier Killed in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–08.027 - July 19, 2008OTTAWA – Yesterday, a Canadian soldier was killed just before midnight Kandahar time. The soldier was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device while on a foot patrol in Panjwayi District. The fallen soldier is Corporal James (Jim) Hayward Arnal of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba. First aid was administered to Corporal Arnal immediately following the incident. He was evacuated by helicopter to Kandahar Air Field’s Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility, but sadly was pronounced dead upon arrival. All members of Task Force Kandahar are...

Media AdvisoryOur fallen soldier returns homeLFCA MA 08-008 - July 8, 2008OTTAWA, Ont. — Our fallen soldier, Private Colin William Wilmot, 24, of 1 Field Ambulance, based out of Edmonton, Alberta is scheduled to return home to Canada tomorrow. Where: 8 Wing Trenton, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 p.m. What: Media are invited to view the arrival; however, no interviews will be given. Present to pay their respects at tomorrow's repatriation ceremony will be the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and other dignitaries. Pte...

News ReleaseOne Canadian Soldier Dies in AfghanistanCEFCOM NR–08.026 - July 7, 2008OTTAWA – At approximately 12:50 a.m., Kandahar time, on July 5, a Canadian soldier suffered critical injuries and later died when an explosive device detonated near a dismounted security patrol in Panjwayi District. The fallen soldier is Private Colin William Wilmot, a medic serving with the Health Services Support Unit in Afghanistan attached to 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group. His home unit was 1 Field Ambulance, based in Edmonton, Alberta. First-aid was administered to Private Wilmot immediately following the explosion. He was evacuated by helicopter...

KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan -- Canadian soldiers joined allied and Afghan national security forces in a sweeping door-to-door urban hunt for hundreds of escaped prisoners Friday after the Taliban staged a daring mass breakout at Kandahar City's Sarposa Prison. A suicide bomber drove to the prison's main entrance and detonated his vehicle Friday around 9:30 p.m. local time. The massive explosion, heard across the Afghanistan's second-largest city, destroyed the gate and a police checkpoint, burying guards under rubble and killing scores. Witnesses said as many as 30 motorcycles then raced forward, carrying armed men firing rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and AK-47s....

News Release Government of Canada Sets Future Course for Engagement in Afghanistan June 10, 2008 OTTAWA - The Government of Canada today announced clear priorities and three “signature projects� related to Canada’s future engagement in Afghanistan. This new direction will ensure a measurable improvement in the lives of citizens living in Kandahar province between now and 2011. “Our ultimate goal remains the same—to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful, and more secure,� said Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister David Emerson. “What is new is that we will significantly concentrate Canadian efforts and...

OTTAWA -- Conservative and Liberal senators cast doubt Wednesday that Canada will be able to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by 2011 as planned. The Senate's national security and defence committee also urged the government to ease its stance against negotiating with the Taliban, warning that the war could drag on for years without diplomatic intervention, although Conservative members of the panel opposed that position. "I don't think all the troops will be out of there in 2011," said Conservative Senator Michael Meighen, vice-chair of the committee, referring to parts of Afghanistan as "medieval." "I don't think there's any chance...

KANDAHAR–Only days before his own death in a tragic accident, Capt. Jonathan (Jon) Sutherland Snyder saved the lives of Canadian and Afghan soldiers. That is but one reason that Afghan National Army troops marched with their Canadian colleagues – and mentors – in a ramp ceremony here late this evening as the platoon commander's flag-sheathed casket was loaded on to a Hercules aircraft for the long trip home. Snyder, 26, was killed Saturday night when he fell into a 20-metre deep well while leading a foot patrol in Zhari District, west of Kandahar. He was the 85th Canadian to die...

Media Advisory Fallen Soldier Returning Home MA 08-006 - June 5, 2008 OTTAWA, Ont. — Our fallen soldier, Captain Richard (Steve) Leary, a member of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba, is scheduled to return home to Canada tomorrow. Where: 8 Wing Trenton, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. When: Friday, June 6, 2008, 2 p.m. What: Media are invited to view the arrival; however, no interviews will be given. Present to pay their respects will be the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and...