Canadian Sergeant dies in Iraq
The military said that Sgt. Doiron and other members of their Special Operations Regiment were returning to their observation post when friendly Iraqi Kurdish troops mistook them for enemies and “mistakenly engaged” the Canadians. The three wounded troops are receiving treatment.
Canada’s ground troops are not over there in a combat role but some 600 are in the country to assist in the training of Iraqi troops and provide other support in their ongoing battle with ISIS and al-Sham fighters.
“We have lost another invaluable member of our family,” Chief of Defence Staff General Tom Lawson said. “A soldier and a warrior, Sergeant Doiron was a consummate professional appreciated by all. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I am grateful for his service and dedication.
“He will be missed.”
Sgt. Doiron: “Great leader”
From the Garrison Petawawa in Ontario, Sgt. Doiron was part of 69 troops who make up the Op Impact mission, troops doing the hands-on training of Iraqi soldiers. These troops are the same that came under fire from ISIS on at least two occasions in February and returned fire. Sgt. Doiron is the first Canadian soldier to die in the mission.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also released a statement of condolences.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned that Sergeant Andrew Joseph Doiron was killed in a friendly fire incident while advising and assisting Iraqi Kurdish forces in Iraq,” the prime minister said in a news release.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Doiron. We also offer our prayers for the speedy recovery of the other three injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Brig.-Gen. Michael Rouleau said that Sgt. Doiron was a soldier who “loved his job and the people he soldiered with” and that the soldier “was a gifted special operator and a great leader.”
