Post by Hunter on Nov 24, 2007 17:38:34 GMT -5
SAS commando killed in attack on Taliban hideout
November 23, 2007 02:29pm
AN SAS commando has been killed in a battle with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the third Australian soldier to die there in the last two months.
Private Luke Worsley, 26, of the 4RAR commando unit in Sydney, was killed in action about 6.30am (Qld time) today, Defence force chief Angus Houston said.
``It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of an Australian soldier serving with the special operations taskforce in Afghanistan,'' Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
It is the third Australian death in seven weeks. Trooper David Pearce was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on October 8 and SAS Sergeant Matthew Locke was shot dead on October 25.
Private Worsley's death this morning was the result of ``heavy close quarter fighting’’, said air marshal Houston.
``He was participating in a planned and deliberate attack by our forces against Taliban leaders and bomb makers in Oruzgan province.
``We killed a lot of them, we came out on top. We have a large number of detainees and regrettably we lost Private Worsley in the process.
``He was part of the commitment to take the fight directly to the Taliban who seek to deprive the people of Afghanistan a bright future.
``There were no other Australian troops killed or wounded during a protracted engagement in which our soldiers acquitted themselves magificently
``He had a very supportive family and I think it’s important at this time to leave them in private so they can grieve in an appropriate way in private.
``We’ve informed them and I think well just let them grieve in private.
``He was not married. ''
Private Worsley was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He also served in East Timor and became a Commando in 2004.
``It’s a very dangerous environment and unfortunately from time to time we will take casualties.
``Our thoughts go out to the family we deeply regret the loss of Private Worsley.''
November 23, 2007 02:29pm
AN SAS commando has been killed in a battle with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the third Australian soldier to die there in the last two months.
Private Luke Worsley, 26, of the 4RAR commando unit in Sydney, was killed in action about 6.30am (Qld time) today, Defence force chief Angus Houston said.
``It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of an Australian soldier serving with the special operations taskforce in Afghanistan,'' Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
It is the third Australian death in seven weeks. Trooper David Pearce was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on October 8 and SAS Sergeant Matthew Locke was shot dead on October 25.
Private Worsley's death this morning was the result of ``heavy close quarter fighting’’, said air marshal Houston.
``He was participating in a planned and deliberate attack by our forces against Taliban leaders and bomb makers in Oruzgan province.
``We killed a lot of them, we came out on top. We have a large number of detainees and regrettably we lost Private Worsley in the process.
``He was part of the commitment to take the fight directly to the Taliban who seek to deprive the people of Afghanistan a bright future.
``There were no other Australian troops killed or wounded during a protracted engagement in which our soldiers acquitted themselves magificently
``He had a very supportive family and I think it’s important at this time to leave them in private so they can grieve in an appropriate way in private.
``We’ve informed them and I think well just let them grieve in private.
``He was not married. ''
Private Worsley was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He also served in East Timor and became a Commando in 2004.
``It’s a very dangerous environment and unfortunately from time to time we will take casualties.
``Our thoughts go out to the family we deeply regret the loss of Private Worsley.''
