Canadian, British-Canadian killed in Afghanistan
Updated Wed. Aug. 13 2008 10:58 AM ET CTV.ca News Staff
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A Canadian, British-Canadian dual-citizen and an American-Trinidadian -- all female aid workers -- were killed in an attack Wednesday along with an Afghan driver.
Another Afghan driver was critically wounded in the attack.
Earlier reports suggested an Irish woman and an American were among the victims, but the New York-based International Rescue Committee has now corrected those reports.
The women were working for the IRC, a group which provides emergency relief and rehabilitation and defends human rights in countries recovering from war.
They were travelling through Logar province towards Kabul in a clearly marked IRC vehicle when they were attacked by armed militants, the organization said. Logar province is south of the Afghan capital.
"We are stunned and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss," George Rupp, president of the IRC said in a statement.
"These extraordinary individuals were deeply committed to aiding the people of Afghanistan, especially the children who have seen so much strife. Words are inadequate to express our sympathy for the families and loved ones of the victims and our devoted team of humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan."
The statement said the IRC had contacted the families of the victims and planned to release more information later. Their names and hometowns have not yet been released.
The IRC said it has suspended humanitarian aid work in Afghanistan indefinitely following the attack. The group has been working in the country for 20 years.
Kai Eide, the United Nations' top official in Kabul, called it a "cowardly attack."
Canadian foreign affairs officials were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
More on link
Mod note: clarification of title.
Updated Wed. Aug. 13 2008 10:58 AM ET CTV.ca News Staff
Article Link
A Canadian, British-Canadian dual-citizen and an American-Trinidadian -- all female aid workers -- were killed in an attack Wednesday along with an Afghan driver.
Another Afghan driver was critically wounded in the attack.
Earlier reports suggested an Irish woman and an American were among the victims, but the New York-based International Rescue Committee has now corrected those reports.
The women were working for the IRC, a group which provides emergency relief and rehabilitation and defends human rights in countries recovering from war.
They were travelling through Logar province towards Kabul in a clearly marked IRC vehicle when they were attacked by armed militants, the organization said. Logar province is south of the Afghan capital.
"We are stunned and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss," George Rupp, president of the IRC said in a statement.
"These extraordinary individuals were deeply committed to aiding the people of Afghanistan, especially the children who have seen so much strife. Words are inadequate to express our sympathy for the families and loved ones of the victims and our devoted team of humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan."
The statement said the IRC had contacted the families of the victims and planned to release more information later. Their names and hometowns have not yet been released.
The IRC said it has suspended humanitarian aid work in Afghanistan indefinitely following the attack. The group has been working in the country for 20 years.
Kai Eide, the United Nations' top official in Kabul, called it a "cowardly attack."
Canadian foreign affairs officials were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
More on link
Mod note: clarification of title.
