Australian soldier slain in Afghanistan

July 3rd, 2012

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

The 40-year-old, a member of the Special Air Service Regiment, was shot in the chest on Monday while on a mission, Hurley said on Tuesday, AFP reported.

Since the US-led war began in October 2001, 33 Australian servicepersons have lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard called the soldier’s death a “dreadful blow” for Australia.

“I know Australians today will stop, will pause, will reflect, and will mark with respect the loss of this brave soldier and will honor his service and his sacrifice,” she stated.

The increasing number of military casualties in Afghanistan has caused widespread anger in the US and other NATO member states, undermining public support for the Afghan war.

According to the website icasualties.org, a total of 224 foreign troops, mostly US personnel, have lost their lives in Afghanistan so far this year.

A total of 566 US-led forces died in Afghanistan in 2011. However, 2010 remains the deadliest year for foreign military casualties, with a death toll of 711.

Insecurity continues to rise across Afghanistan, despite the presence of about 130,000 US-led forces in the country.

GJH/MF/HGL