Kiwi soldiers killed in Afghanistan named

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Kiwi soldiers killed in Afghanistan named

3News NZ

The two members of New Zealand's Provincial Reconstruction Team were killed

The two members of New Zealand's Provincial Reconstruction Team were killed

The Defence Force has released the names of two Kiwi soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer and Lance Corporal Rory Malone were both on their first deployment to Afghanistan when they were attacked on Saturday night (NZT).

Mr Malone was helping his company commander when he was fatally injured. He died instantly.

Durrer died in a helicopter on the way to Bagram.

Six soldiers were injured, but their names will not be released at this time. They are being treated in military hospitals.

The troops had gone to the aid of local security forces fighting suspected insurgents near a village south of Do Abe at about 7pm NZT on Saturday.

The insurgents moved into a building and the New Zealanders were asked to fire on the building and secure the area. They were attacked as they were moving to secure high ground.

It is hoped their bodies will be returned home next week, with the help of the Australian and British defence forces.

Prime Minister John Key said the soldiers had paid "the highest price", and their deaths brought the total number of New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan to seven.

Their deaths came almost exactly two years to the day of New Zealand's first fatality in Afghanistan, when Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell was killed in an attack on his patrol in the same area on August 4, 2010.

Lt Gen Jones said there had been an increase in insurgent activity in the area during the past month.

The soldiers were three months into their deployment and they were experienced in operating in the area, Lt Gen Jones said.

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, a former chief of the NZDF, said the two soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and the six injured were part of a team that had worked tirelessly and consistently to bring peace and stability to the province.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has also offered his condolences to the families.

"Our thoughts are especially with the families of those who died, and the families of those who were wounded," Mr Coleman said.

"The work the NZDF undertake in this region is dangerous and they have been well trained to respond to these incidents."

New Zealand has previously announced its intention to withdraw from Bamyan in 2013, a year earlier than first intended.

Mr Key said there were no plans to change the withdrawal date.

3 News/NZN  

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Comments

6/08/2012 2:36:22 p.m.

Alex wrote:

@Gareth: the harsh truth is neither of us can support the families without knowing them - unless by support you mean "don't criticise the war," in which case you just mean the country should collectively participate in patriotic hand wringing and that no one can ever criticise the war in the context of people dying - which, needless to say, would be pretty stupid.

6/08/2012 1:16:12 p.m.

Gareth wrote:

@Gary and @Alex

This is not the time to be displaying your anger at the government. The soldiers haven't even been named yet - imagine if it was your child. Some families are hurting really badly right now and we should be supporting them. The time for finger pointing and anger can be later. Right now we should support the families.

RIP

6/08/2012 12:57:20 p.m.

Martin wrote:

Always a sad event when anyone dies and worse for the families involved. As they say stupid people start wars and stupid people run wars and all in the name of religious beliefs. But a soldier is a soldier that signs up with the likely event of being sent into war. They are not a politician nor do they enter into politics they do what is required for their country. I don't agree with the Afghanistan war in general principle but I do not understand fully the issues behind it. However the soldiers can stand proud for doing what they do and RIP for the ones that have not made it through.

6/08/2012 10:56:24 a.m.

Gary wrote:

Totally agree ALEX. Why are NZ troops in Afghanistan?? For what purpose?? A sad day for NZ they should still be here with their families. @NICKI "RIP our two brave boys" they have died for nothing!! I am sure JK will be blowing the dust off some medal to award so we are all tricked into believing how they died to save our country. Come on people, wake up, would you give your life just to promote some political B/S.

6/08/2012 10:28:14 a.m.

Alex wrote:

we shouldn't invade other countries on a false premise imo. these deaths, like every single one in this war, will go down as being for nothing. that'll be a "controversial" opinion for "patriotic" people, but if you actually cared about people, including new zealanders, you'd share it.

6/08/2012 10:06:22 a.m.

William wrote:

May they rest in peace.

6/08/2012 7:58:46 a.m.

Nicki Fairbairn wrote:

Kia Kaha all families, friends and service personal; close ranks and support one another; thoughts are with you all. RIP our two brave boys and speedy recovery to the injured.