http://www.smh.com.au/national/diggers-dog-quake--killed-in-firefight-20120702-21cwc.html
An Australian soldier has been wounded and a "much-loved" military dog killed during a firefight with insurgents in Afghanistan.
The soldier sustained minor injuries during a joint operation by the Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Operations Task Group on Monday last week.
The soldier was treated for his wounds after the operation and returned to full duties.
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His next-of-kin in Australia were informed.
A four-year-old military dog called Quake was also killed during the operation.
He was struck by small-arms fire in an engagement with insurgents.
The dog's body was returned to Multi-National Base in Tarin Kowt and his ashes will soon be repatriated to Australia, a statement from the defence department says.
The dog was on his second tour to Afghanistan.
Australian Special Operations Task Group commander, who can only be identified as Lieutenant Colonel J for security reasons, said the the dog was a "much-loved member of the SOTG" and would be sorely missed.
"Personnel who work closely with our dogs form extremely close bonds with them so this death will affect them," Lt Col J said in a statement today.
The joint mission destroyed an insurgent bomb training and manufacturing facility, he said.
Rest in Peace little one...
An Australian soldier has been wounded and a "much-loved" military dog killed during a firefight with insurgents in Afghanistan.
The soldier sustained minor injuries during a joint operation by the Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Operations Task Group on Monday last week.
The soldier was treated for his wounds after the operation and returned to full duties.
Advertisement: Story continues below
His next-of-kin in Australia were informed.
A four-year-old military dog called Quake was also killed during the operation.
He was struck by small-arms fire in an engagement with insurgents.
The dog's body was returned to Multi-National Base in Tarin Kowt and his ashes will soon be repatriated to Australia, a statement from the defence department says.
The dog was on his second tour to Afghanistan.
Australian Special Operations Task Group commander, who can only be identified as Lieutenant Colonel J for security reasons, said the the dog was a "much-loved member of the SOTG" and would be sorely missed.
"Personnel who work closely with our dogs form extremely close bonds with them so this death will affect them," Lt Col J said in a statement today.
The joint mission destroyed an insurgent bomb training and manufacturing facility, he said.
Rest in Peace little one...