Roadside bomb kills 1 Canadian soldier, wounds 4 in Afghanistan

One Canadian soldier died and four were wounded when a roadside bomb explodedSunday near their armoured vehicleon patrol northeast of Kandahar city, the second deadly attack for troops in Afghanistan in less than a week.

The soldiers were conducting security operations in the mountainous region of Sha Wali Kot district a knownentrypoint for Taliban fighters when theexplosion occurredat about 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, the military said.

Trooper Marc Diab, 22,from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in the attack.He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion,the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based in Petawawa, Ont., the military said.

The injured soldiers, whose names are being withheldto conform with military policy,were taken by helicopter to a medical facility at the Kandahar Airfield.Allare in stable condition and three of them will betaken to the Landstuhl medical facility in Germany.Their families have been notified, the military said.

"On behalf of all members of Task Force Kandahar, I would like toextend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of TrooperDiab," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance,commander of Canadian troops in Kandahar. "We will stand with you in your grief, and we will help youthrough the difficult days ahead."

In a release, Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his condolencestoDiab's family and friends and hoped for a speedy recovery forthe wounded soldiers.

"Trooper Marc Diab paid the ultimate price serving his country," Harper said. "His life and death serves as an example of the bravery and outstanding dedication of Canadian Forces members on this mission."

On March 4, three Canadian soldiers were killed and two woundedwhen an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle.They were on their way backto thebase when the incident occurredin Arghandab District, about 10 kilometres northwest of Kandahar city,

Soldier was dedicated, religious and loved sports

On Sunday, Vance described Diabas an energetic, enthusiastic and dedicatedsoldier who loved to joke around and make people laugh. Hewasextremely close to his mother Jihan and girlfriend Mary, he said.

"He never stopped giving," Vance said. "He brought joy andlaughter to his friends and was deeply involved and committed to hischurch and youth group activities."

Hewas an avid soccer player wholoved sports and outdoor activities and often spoke about how much heenjoyed taking his jeep and going cross-country driving, he said.

"His friendsand comrades describe him as having a large heart for such a small guy," Vance said. "He would give you the world if he had it."

Diab's death brings the number of casualties in Afghanistan to 112 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

There are 2,830 Canadian troops serving at Kandahar Airfieldand Camp Nathan Smith, the home of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar city, the military said.

Both Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Vance said Canada remains committed to the mission,improving securityand increasing development in Kandahar province.

"The sacrifices of these soldiers will not be forgotten and this tragic incident will not deter us from helping Afghans to reclaim their country," he said.

"Despite thesecowardly attacks, we are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan," Vance said.