Canadians unharmed after mortar attack near Kandahar

Insurgents launched a mortar round at Canadian soldiers west of Kandahar on Sunday on the eve of a command changeover in southern Afghanistan.

There were no injuries reported in the attack that took place near Forward Operating Base Wilson, the base for many of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry's B Company soldiers in the region.

Officials also reported 30 suspected Taliban militants had been killed in the latest round of violence over the weekend.

NATO will take control on Monday of the forces comprised of mostly Canadian, British and Dutch troops in the region, marking the first time the alliance has conducted land combat operations.

"This is one of the most challenging tasks NATO has ever taken on, but it is a critical contribution to international security, and a demonstration of our commitment to the people of Afghanistan, NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer said in a news release on Sunday.

NATO officials said their new strategy will focus on establishing military bases and secure zones to win the support of locals.

Opium trade

Afghanistan's large opium trade is believed to be fuelling the violent insurgency. Officials have also said Taliban militants have crossed the lightly protected border between Afghanistan and Pakistan to stage attacks.

U.S.-led coalition forces initiated the campaign in Afghanistan in 2001 with the purpose of removing the Taliban regime. The U.S. believed theradical Islamists were harbouring al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

More than 2,300 Canadian troops are serving in Afghanistan's volatile southern region. About 100 soldiers departed CFB Trenton yesterday for a six-month tour of duty.