Soldier killed, four injured in Afghanistan
Tpr Karine Blais served with the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada based at CFB/ASU Valcartier.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ottawa, Ontario — One Canadian soldier was killed and four others were injured on April 13, when their armoured vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.
The fallen soldier, Trooper Karine Blais, was a member of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada based at CFB/ASU Valcartier. Trooper Blais was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group.
Tpr Blais leaves behind her mother Josée, her grandmother Laurette and her brother, Billy.
The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m., Kandahar time, in the Shah Wali Kowt District, north of Kandahar City.
The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. Their names will not be released.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, issued the following statement on the death of Tpr Blais:
“My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Tpr Karine Blais from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group, based in Valcartier, Quebec. The vehicle she was in exploded upon striking an improvised explosive device in the Shah Wali Kowt District. We were equally distressed to learn of the assassination of Sitara Achakzai, a courageous and proud activist for the rights of her countrywomen, who was gunned down at point-blank range. The Talibans were quick to claim responsibility for this unprecedented violence, fiercely dedicated to hindering all efforts to further development and stability in Afghanistan.
“We would like once again to express our deep respect for the work of the women and men of the Canadian Forces who give their all, despite the ever present dangers associated with this perilous mission. Our soldiers risk their lives answering the call of duty by working shoulder to shoulder with a people who for decades have been left idle and subjected to terror, intimidation, insecurity and barbarous confrontations on a daily basis.
“Tpr Blais and Sitara Achakzai shared a dream of creating a more just and equitable world and bringing desperately needed peace to Afghanistan. The soldier and the parliamentarian both knew how important it is for women and men of goodwill to join forces to achieve this end.
“Today, Canada and Afghanistan mourn the loss of two exemplary citizens.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tpr Blais and her comrades, who continue to battle oppression and chaos in Afghanistan. We also wish a swift and complete recovery to the four soldiers who were injured in the explosion, and our thoughts are with those mourning the death of Sitara Achakzai. May they know that they are not alone.”
The number of Canadians killed in Afghanistan since Canada’s mission got underway is now 120: 117 soldiers, two aid workers and one diplomat.
Project Number:09-0295
