Here's more info about the death in combat of the Canadian female officer .A combined joint task force of Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and Canadian Forces from Task Force Orion conducted an intelligence-based combat operation Wednesday night in the Panjway District of Kandahar Province, killing 18 Taliban extremists and capturing 26. The operation, which targeted extremists who infiltrated a series of villages in Panjway, began before dawn and lasted well into the night.
“The combined force conducted a successful, complex fight synchronizing air and ground forces to bring the fight to the enemy,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander, Combined Joint Task Force - 76. “This well organized, cooperative engagement was exactly the operation needed to restore security to Panjway where extremists have been intimidating and threatening the people.”
The defeat of the enemy in Panjway is a direct result of the skill, valor and commitment of Canadian and Afghan National Security Forces. Panjway residents fully supported the operation, encouraging coalition forces to continue the fight to drive the enemy out of their district. “Canadian and Afghan security personnel deployed into the area (Panjway) on the morning of May 17 to conduct sweeps through the areas suspected of harboring enemy forces,” Canadian Brig. Gen. David Fraser, commander, Multi-National Brigade South said. “During the sweeps, Afghan and Canadian troops came into contact with insurgents, those who daily threaten the lives and the livelihood of the local Afghan people.” One Canadian Army officer was killed and three Afghan National Army soldiers were wounded during the combat. Canadian forces have identified the officer as Capt. Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard of the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. “Capt. Goddard’s death was the price today of ensuring that tens of thousands of men, women and children of Afghanistan can have hope that their future will be brighter,” added Fraser. “We will not forget her sacrifice.”
ANA soldiers suffered non-life threatening wounds and are currently receiving treatment. This successful operation clearly demonstrates the resolve of Coalition and Afghan National Security Forces and their commitment to the security and prosperity of the Afghan people, Freakley added. “This dynamic, complex operation demonstrates that insurgents do not operate freely in southern Afghanistan and that Canadian and Afghan National Security Forces are fully capable of defeating this enemy wherever they operate. No sanctuary is too formidable or too remote. These extremists will be defeated at every encounter. Their aims and goals are in direct contrast to the growth and progress of the nation of Afghanistan and the Afghan people will continue to reject their presence.”