Thirty minutes ago the names were released of our men who have paid the ultimate price.Three Canadian soldiers dead; two wounded in roadside bomb attack
WO DennisRaymond Brown
Cpl Kenneth Chad O'Quinn RIP
Cpl Danny Olivier Fortin RIP THE CANADIAN PRESS
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Three Canadian soldiers are dead and two others wounded following a massive roadside bomb attack, northwest of Kandahar.
Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Cpl. Dany Fortin and Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn were killed Tuesday evening when an explosive detonated near their armoured vehicle in Arghandab district, which is often a quiet region.
Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said the casualties were evacuated to the multi-national hospital at Kandahar Airfield.
Brown served with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Fortin with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bogotville and O'Quinn with 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron.
The wounded are listed in fair condition, but their names will not be released.
The Canadian military, with the addition of surveillance helicopters and unmanned drones, have stepped up patrols looking for roadside bombs, which have accounted for more than half the deaths.
Details of explosion
The massive explosion happened after Canada's Quick Reaction Force squad responded to a call from the Afghan National Police.
Maj. Rob Dunn told reporters that at 12:30pm on Tuesday, the Afghan National Police called in an IED find on a main supply route near the village of Jelawur in the Arghandab district. The location is about 10 kilometers northwest of Kandahar City.
Canada's Quick Reaction Force squad responded and with the help of Afghan police safely defused the IED.
On their way back to Kandahar City, their patrol hit another roadside bomb.
The Arghandab district has been traditionally less dangerous than neighbouring Panjwaii and Zhari districts, but in the last two weeks it's been increasing in insurgent activity.
Dunn, a Canadian Forces Operations Officer, says there have been four IED finds and one IED strike in the last two weeks alone.
I think what is telling from this is that we are moving from a winter campaign to a spring campaign -- or a spring offensive, Dunn said.
Our prayers and wishes for a full speedy recovery for our wounded. The condolences of all Canada go out to the families and loved ones of these brave soldiers. Those who have paid the ultimate price for Queen and Country.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
