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Nato troops killed in Afghanistan Nato troops killed in Afghanistan
(40 minutes later)
Six Canadian soldiers serving with the Nato-led force in south Afghanistan have been killed. Six Canadian soldiers serving with the Nato-led force in south Afghanistan have been killed, while another Nato soldier died in a separate incident.
They died when the vehicle they were travelling in hit an explosive device, a statement from Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said. The Canadians were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in hit an explosive device, Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said.
"Our hearts ache for them and their families," said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper."Our hearts ache for them and their families," said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
This is the worst single incident for the Nato-led force in Afghanistan for several months. It is the worst single incident for the Nato-led force since 2005.
'Dangerous terrain'
Mr Harper confirmed the deaths in the town of Verlinghem, France, while on a visit to mark the 90th anniversary of the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge.Mr Harper confirmed the deaths in the town of Verlinghem, France, while on a visit to mark the 90th anniversary of the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge.
"Sadly, today has been a difficult day in Afghanistan. We have learned that an incident has claimed the lives of six Canadian soldiers and injured a number of others," he said."Sadly, today has been a difficult day in Afghanistan. We have learned that an incident has claimed the lives of six Canadian soldiers and injured a number of others," he said.
"I know that as we gather here on Easter Sunday our hearts and prayers are with them.""I know that as we gather here on Easter Sunday our hearts and prayers are with them."
At least one soldier was also injured in the explosion.
Addressing a group of veterans, Mr Harper drew parallels with WWI and the challenges faced by troops in Afghanistan today.
"For these men and women, the terrain of Kandahar province looks as desolate and dangerous as Flanders field did 90 years ago," he said.
Worst yearWorst year
An Isaf spokeswoman told the BBC there had been no civilian casualties and that all signs pointed to the Taleban. Elsewhere in southern Afghanistan, another roadside blast killed one Nato soldier and wounded two others earlier in the day, Nato said.
It did not released the nationality of those soldiers.
An Isaf spokeswoman told the BBC there had been no civilian casualties in the blast that killed the Canadians and that all signs pointed to the Taleban.
"Certainly it lends itself to the type of tactic that Taleban extremists use," Lt Col Angela Billings said."Certainly it lends itself to the type of tactic that Taleban extremists use," Lt Col Angela Billings said.
[The Taleban] resort to this type of tactic in order to hide in the shadows Lt Col Angela Billings, Isaf In pictures: Operation Achilles Taleban kill Afghan reporter[The Taleban] resort to this type of tactic in order to hide in the shadows Lt Col Angela Billings, Isaf In pictures: Operation Achilles Taleban kill Afghan reporter
"Because they cannot beat us conventionally or tactically, they resort to this type of tactic in order to hide in the shadows.""Because they cannot beat us conventionally or tactically, they resort to this type of tactic in order to hide in the shadows."
Canadian and British troops make up most of the Isaf forces in the south.Canadian and British troops make up most of the Isaf forces in the south.
"The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any UK involvement," said a British government spokeswoman earlier, referring to the latest incident.
The Taleban are maintaining strong opposition to Nato, particularly in the south and east.The Taleban are maintaining strong opposition to Nato, particularly in the south and east.
Last year saw the worst fighting in Afghanistan since coalition troops ousted the Taleban in 2001 with some 4,000 people believed to have been killed - about a quarter of them civilians.Last year saw the worst fighting in Afghanistan since coalition troops ousted the Taleban in 2001 with some 4,000 people believed to have been killed - about a quarter of them civilians.
Helmand has been the focus of a recent operation by Isaf troops against militants.Helmand has been the focus of a recent operation by Isaf troops against militants.
About 100 insurgents have been killed in it so far, officials say.About 100 insurgents have been killed in it so far, officials say.