Digger killed in firefight
AN Australian soldier has died in a firefight with 20 Taliban in Afghanistan.
Personal details of the "brave young man" have not been released at his family's request.
He is the ninth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan.
Defence force chief Angus Houston said it was a "very intense" firefight.
He said soldiers were attacked while out on patrol and the Australians returned fire, but one was fatally injured.
The soldier was part of a mentoring and reconstruction taskforce patrol operating with members of the Afghan National Army, near a village 12km north of Tarin Kowt.
"Initial reports indicate they were engaged by a group of around 20 Taliban insurgents who were using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"The patrol returned fire and, sadly, an Australian soldier was killed as a consequence of this engagement."
No other Australian soldier was wounded in the incident.
"On behalf of our nation and the Australian Defence Force, I convey our deepest sympathies to his loved ones," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"(He) was a fine, professional, courageous soldier."
Defence force would conduct an inquiry into the soldier's death, Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"The public will be informed of its findings."
Australia has about 1100 troops operating in Afghanistan's dangerous Oruzgan province in the country's south-central region.
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