Special Forces Soldier Killed By Friendly Fire

A Canadian special forces soldier has been killed and three others wounded in a friendly fire incident involving Kurdish forces in Iraq.

National Defence said that Canadian troops training local forces had returned to an observation post at the front line on Friday when they were mistakenly fired upon.

Sergeant Andrew Joseph Doiron, from the Canadian Special Operations Regiment based at Garrison Petawawa in Ontario, was killed.

Three other soldiers are receiving medical care. The extent of their injuries has not been revealed.

A statement from the Canadian government said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of our fallen soldier and the injured members during this difficult time.

"We will not forget the sacrifice of this soldier as we continue on our mission to help advise and assist the Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against the so-called Islamic State."

Canadian forces are in Iraq as part of Operation Impact, the Canadian government's efforts to assist Iraq forces fighting IS.

It has around 600 personnel, including aircrew, in the country.

General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, added: "It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the death of Sergeant Andrew Joseph Dorion in Iraq.

"We have lost another invaluable member of our family. A soldier and a warrior, Sergeant Doiron was a consummate professional appreciated by all.

"I am grateful for his service and dedication. He will be missed."

The death comes as the Canadian government debates whether to extend the country's combat mission against IS. The mission is due to expire at the end of March.

IS militants have reportedly removed artefacts from the ancient archaeological site of Hatra in Iraq and there are fears the site could be demolished.

Members of the group have also reportedly begun bulldozing the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq.