FED:18th soldier killed in Afghanistan

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2010
FED:18th soldier killed in Afghanistan

Both Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD and Opposition leader TONY ABBOTT have briefly halted
electioneering to express their condolences to the family of Trooper JASON BROWN .. killed
in Afghanistan overnight.

The Australian special forces soldier was shot several times during a clash with insurgents
in northern Kandahar province .. taking Australia's death toll in Afghanistan to 18 since
2001 .. and seven so far this year.

Acting defence force chief Lieutenant General DAVID HURLEY says Trooper BROWN was participating
in an ongoing Australian and Afghan mission to disrupt insurgent activities.

No other Australian or Afghan soldiers were wounded.

Ms GILLARD .. who's in Ballina in northern New South Wales .. says Australia has lost
a brave soldier and the nation will mourn his loss.

In Perth .. Mr ABBOTT says the opposition continues to fully support the Australian
commitment in Afghanistan .. saying Afghanistan can never again become a safe haven for
terrorism.

AAP RTV mb/sw

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST (CANBERRA)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.