Kabul, July 05: An Australian soldier has been killed in an exchange of fire with militants in southern Afghanistan, the chief of the Australian Defense Forces, General David Hurley, has announced.
The 35-year-old Sergeant Todd Langley was serving with a special operations task group at the time he was killed on Monday. A second soldier was wounded in the same incident and is reportedly in serious condition.
“He was a brave and professional soldier who never took a backward step and, despite their grief, his comrades say he will continue to inspire them,” AFP quoted Hurley as telling reporters.
Langley’s death brings to 28 the number of Australians who have died in the conflict in Afghanistan since 2001, including seven killed this year.
——-Agencies