IED Kills Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan

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Private Alexandre Peloquin

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Private Alexandre (Pelo) Peloquin, 20 was killed today during a footpatrol.  He was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District in Afghanistan.

Private Peloquin was a member of the 3rd Battalion Royal 22eRegiment, based in Valcartier, Quebec.

His home town has not been released.  He is survived by his mother Monique.

Pelo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the senior commander in Kandahar province.

"His family and friends should be very proud of him, and so should all Canadians, for he represented the very best of Canada." 

Prime Minister Stephen Harpers Statement:

"I join with Canadians who stand proudly with our men and women of the Canadian Forces as they courageously risk their lives every day to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan," Harper's statement said.

Update:

Péloquin — who joined the Forces on Oct. 26, 2007 — was from the Laurentides region north of Montreal but was living in Val Belair before he left in mid-April on his first mission to Afghanistan, said CFB Valcartier spokesman Alex Maille.

The incident occurred in the village of Nakhoney in the volatile Panjwaii district, about 15 kilometres southwest of the city of Kandahar.

Update 0700 AM EST 9 Jun 09:

According to CBC Newsworld report from Khandahar Airfield, Pte Peloquin was part of a larger operation that was looking for Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) factories.  The unit discovered about 80 devices.  There was grave concern over these devices, particularly, the strength of them.  The Insurgents have been able to manufacture these devices strong enough to take out an Armoured Vehicle and its crew.  In this operation, which is considered successful, two factories were taken out.

Update:  June 9th 5:34 pm EST

The body of Private Peloquin has started the long journey home.  Soldiers gathered for the traditional grim Tail Gate Ceremony.  The military says that the operation Private Peloquin particpated in was successful. His family expressed deep sadness.  For more read here