Canadian soldier dies in Afghanistan, 156th since 2002

A Canadian soldier was found dead in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Saturday in a message of condolence to relatives. The army said Bombardier Karl Manning had died from "non combat-related wounds" and that an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of his death.
His unit, based in Valcartier, Quebec, was located at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) south-west of Kandahar Airfield. Manning's body was found at the base on Friday "The government of Canada is proud of the men and women that serve in Canada's Armed Forces... It is these men and women that make a difference every day in Afghanistan saving lives, contributing to the peace and stability of Afghanistan, as well as the security of Canada." Manning was the 156th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. Canadian combat troops are due to return home this year, but Ottawa plans to send up to 950 military trainers to coach Afghan soldiers.