Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
20 August 2012
Media Statement
Prime Minister expresses sorrow at soldiers’ deaths in Afghanistan
Prime Minister John Key today expressed his sorrow on learning of the deaths of three New Zealand soldiers serving with
the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.
The soldiers were killed following an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incident in the north-east of Bamyan Province
yesterday morning (local time).
“On behalf of New Zealanders, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the three deceased,” says Mr Key.
“This latest tragedy brings the total number of New Zealand soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to 10. It
also comes just two weeks after the deaths of Lance Corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone, who died in an encounter
with insurgents in Bamyan.
“Today’s events underscore the gravity of the situations New Zealand’s soldiers face daily in Afghanistan. The three
brave soldiers paid the ultimate price for their selfless work, and my thoughts are with their families and friends as
they mourn their loved ones.”
ends