NZ soldier killed in Afghanistan ambush

Last Updated: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 13:02:00 +1000

New Zealand has had it's first combat death in Afghanistan, after a soldier was killed in an ambush.

The New Zealand Government says the soldier was part of a routine patrol in Bamyan provine when it was attacked.

The patrol activated an improvised explosive device and then came under fire from two position, killing one solider and seriously wounding two others, along with a local interpreter.

The New Zealand Defence Force has named the officer as Lieutenant Timothy Andrew O'Donnell from 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key, said in a statement the soldier's death is New Zealand's first combat loss in Afghanistan.

"This is New Zealand's first combat loss in Afghanistan and reinforces the danger faced daily by our forces as they work tirelessly to restore stability to the province," he said.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has offered condolences to New Zealand and the soldier's family.

"On behalf of the Australian nation, as prime minister I want to offer the nation's condolences to Prime Minister Key and the New Zealand people," she said.

"We as a nation know what it feels like to lose a soldier in Afghanistan."

The Australian Opposition leader, Tony Abbott, joined Ms Gillard in acknowledging New Zealand's loss.

New Zealand has around 200 soldiers in Afghanistan, with most based in Bamyan province, assisting with reconstruction and security efforts.

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