I came in here to wish you all a Happy Easter but moments ago I saw the news. 6 Canadians Killed. I feel sick. Please remember the fallen and their family, friends and comrades during your Easter blessings today. My heart and prayers go out to them.

Thank you for your sacrifice......you are our heroes

PM confirms six Canadians killed in Afghanistan UPDATEUpdated Sun. Apr. 8 2007 3:25 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Six Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan after an apparent improvised explosive device detonated west of Kandahar, striking the vehicle the soldiers were riding in.

The Canadian Forces confirmed the deaths Sunday afternoon, and said one other soldier suffered life-threatening injuries.

"It's been a long day. I have the unfortunate duty of informing you that six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle," Col. Mike Cessford, acting commander of the Canadian Forces, told reporters.

Cessford said four other soldiers were evacuated to the NATO medical facility in Kandahar for treatment after the attack.


One of them had serious abdominal injuries and would likely be transferred to the U.S. hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for treatment.

Of the remaining three, one received minor injuries and the two others were not hurt.

Cessford said he had spoken to the two uninjured soldiers and said they were shocked by the deaths of their comrades, who have not been identified pending notification of next of kin.

"They were quiet, as you can appreciate. They were full of thoughts, they were grateful for the comradeship they had, they were grateful for the friendship they had, and I think they were grateful the family had rallied around them at this point."

Cessford said six of the Canadian Forces' best soldiers had been lost, but the mission would continue.

"You can appreciate clearly we are saddened by the loss of six of our best soldiers, six of our personnel, but we stay committed to the mission, this is what we do, we're focused on rebuilding Afghanistan," Cessford said.

The attack appeared to have resulted from an improvised explosive device, but Cessford said it is much too early to speculate.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke in France, where he is attending ceremonies marking the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

"Sadly today has been a difficult day in Afghanistan," Harper said at a dinner for veterans in the French city of Lille.

"We've learned that an incident has claimed the lives of six Canadian soldiers and injured a number of others."

"Our hearts ache for them and their families, and I know as we gather here on Easter Sunday our thoughts and prayers are with them," Harper said.

It is believed to be the highest single-day death toll involving Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.