Canadian soldier dies on security operation

The commander of the Canadian military forces in Afghanistan used the death of Private Sebastien Courcy to remind the world that Canada is not deterred.

"These security operations are sometimes accompanied by a heavy price – the heaviest there is – but the challenges we face will not deter us from our ultimate goal and commitment we have to Canada's role to bring about positive change for the people of Kandahar," said Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance. The Brig.-Gen. did acknowledge that Pte. Courcy's death was a "grim reminder of the Afghan mission's often heavy toll".

"Sebastien gave his life for Canada. Such is the price soldiers must sometimes pay to honour their obligation to their country and to the missions set before them."

Pte. Courcy died during an operation in the Panjwaii district about 17 kilometres southwest of Kandahar.

"At the time of his death he was participating in an important operation to separate the insurgency from the population in Panjwaii district," Vance said.

No other soldiers were injured.

The 26-year-old soldier was a member of 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment – known as the Van Doos – based at CFB Valcartier outside Quebec City. He is the 125th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.

Pte. Courcy joined the Canadian Forces in 2006 and arrived in Afghanistan in April.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement of condolence to Pte. Courcy's family and friends.

"His tragic passing illustrates some of the risks that the selfless men and women of the Canadian Forces face every day in carrying out their duties," said the Prime Minister.

He commented on Courcy's "self-sacrifice" during a mission that is ``helping those in need and defending the interests of those who can't yet defend themselves."

Courcy is survived by his mother, Ginette, and his sister Julie.

July is one of the worst months on record for international forces in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

According to figures compiled by The Associated Press, there have been at least 47 deaths among NATO nations, including five Canadian deaths.

Cpl. Nick Bulger was killed on July 3 by a roadside bomb, Master Cpl. Charles-Phillippe Michaud died on July 4 from injuries suffered during a foot patrol in Panjwaii in June, and Master Cpl. Pat Audet and Cpl. Martin Joannette were killed on July 6 in a helicopter crash.

There has been increased fighting in the lead up to Afghani presidential and provincial council elections next month, and an increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Many of the 57,000 American troops have been involved in combat missions.

Britain has 9,000 troops in Helmand Province. Fifteen of them have died this month.