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Old 03-11-07, 19:22
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Default Dutch soldier killed by roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan

Published: Saturday, November 3, 2007 | 11:37 AM ET
Canadian Press: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A Dutch soldier was killed by a roadside bomb Saturday in Afghanistan, the Defence Ministry said.
Cpl. Ronald Groen, 21, was one of three men on patrol in an armoured car when it drove over an improvised explosive device, Gen. Dick Berlijn told reporters in The Hague.
The two others were injured but in stable condition, Berlijn said.
The patrol was part of the "Spin Ghar" operation - a major offensive against the Taliban in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan, where the Netherlands currently has around 1,650 troops stationed.
Despite the Dutch troop presence, Taliban forces have gained in strength in Uruzgan in recent months, hindering attempts to help locals rebuild their lives after years of violence and Taliban rule.
Spin Ghar, a joint operation by Afghan, Canadian, U.S., British, Dutch and Australian forces, aims to reduce the Taliban's presence in targeted areas before winter.
"The operation is difficult and puts a heavy burden on our soldiers, but it's been successful," Berlijn said, after offering his condolences to Groen's family.
"The local population has reacted positively, the Taliban is leaving the area and many weapons depots have been uncovered, with munitions, rifles, rockets and much materiel for improvised explosives."
Groen is the 12th Dutch fatality in Afghanistan. The Netherlands is expected to decide this month whether to extend its participation in the NATO force in Afghanistan past the mission's current end date in August 2008.

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/071103/w110326A.html
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