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| New Zealand PM John Key |
It is with great sadness that Prime Minister John Key has learned of the death of two New Zealand soldiers serving with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan.
The soldiers were killed during an encounter with insurgents, which began at about 7:00pm last night (NZ time) after they went to the aid of local security forces under attack.
Two local security personnel were also killed during the attack.
Another six New Zealand Defence Force personnel, 10 local security personnel, and one civilian were also injured.
"This brings the total number of New Zealand soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to seven," Mr Key says.
"It reinforces the danger faced daily by our forces as they work tirelessly to restore stability to the Province.
"It is with enormous sadness that I acknowledge that these soldiers have paid the highest price. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the two brave soldiers killed and also with the families and friends of those injured."
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| Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman |
NZ: Tragic loss for NZDF, says Defence Minister
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has offered his condolences to the families of two New Zealand Defence Force soldiers killed in action in Bamyan overnight.
A further six NZDF soldiers were wounded in a clash with insurgents in the North Eastern area of the province, which also involved local security forces.
"The NZDF was responding to local security forces coming under attack and it developed into a serious incident," said Dr Coleman.
"The thoughts of the government and the people of New Zealand are with the NZDF today. Our thoughts are especially with the families of those who died, and the families of those who were wounded."
"The work the NZDF undertake in this region is dangerous and they have been well trained to respond to these incidents," he said.
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| Stephen Smith Minister for Defence |
AUS: Minister for Defence – Condolences offered to New Zealand Defence Minister
I spoke yesterday to my New Zealand counterpart Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and offered the condolences of the Australian Government and people for the tragic loss of two New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan. Six New Zealand soldiers were also wounded.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the New Zealand soldiers and with the New Zealand people at this difficult time.