A New Zealand-born soldier serving with the Australian forces has been killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan.
The dead soldier has been named as Signaller Sean McCarthy, 25, from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR).
Australian news reports say that Mr McCarthy has relatives in Auckland.
He was not married and his next of kin, who are travelling in Europe, have been informed of his death.
He is the sixth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, and the second this year.
While details are still just emerging, Australian news reports say that Signaller McCarthy died as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) which also injured two other Australian soldiers and a soldier from another country yesterday afternoon.
The incident occurred in the unstable and dangerous Oruzgan Province.
McCarthy had joined the Australian Defence Force in 2001 and joined the SAS last year.
Signaller McCarthy had served in East Timor earlier this year and was on his second tour of Afghanistan.
"On his previous tour in Afghanistan, he was recognised by the special operations commander for his courage and mission focus, including a specific commendation for maintaining his presence of mind and excellent soldier's skills while in contact with the enemy," Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said.
"Signaller McCarthy was an experienced, highly skilled and professional soldier.
"He was very well respected by his comrades and will be sorely missed by his many friends."
Biography of Sean McCarthy:
* Born January 5, 1983 in Auckland
* Enlisted in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on July 10, 2001
* Posted to 7 Signals Regiment on July 14, 2003
* Posted to Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) on January 15, 2007, and was an active member of the regiment up to his death
Operational service includes:
- Special Operations Task Group (SOTG V) Afghanistan, 2007
- Operation Astute in East Timor, 2008
- Redeployed to Afghanistan, 2008
Awards and commendation for service:
- SOCAUST commendation
- Australian Defence Medal for service
- International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Nato Medal
- Return from Active Service Badge
