AAP
The death of another Australian soldier shows Afghanistan remains a dangerous place but the international mission remains on track, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.
Ms Gillard on Monday offered her condolences to the family and friends of the 24-year-old special forces soldier who was killed in the blast of an insurgent improvised explosive device (IED) overnight.
Few other details have been released because the operation he was involved in is ongoing.
"But what is clear is we have lost a brave soldier who was going about difficult and dangerous work in Afghanistan. That is clear to us. And his loss will be mourned by the whole nation," Ms Gillard told reporters in Canberra.
She said the mission to prepare Afghan national forces to take over security responsibility from Australian and coalition forces remained on track despite the dangers.
"Our predictions of Oruzgan province is that there will still be active fighting needed against the insurgency," she said.
"What we are seeking to do is to build up the capability of Afghan forces so they can take the fight to the insurgents. And we are on track with that training mission."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said all Australians would feel the loss of the soldier, who is the seventh Australian force member to die this year and the 39th since the mission began in 2001. He's also the 19th special forces soldier to die in Afghanistan.
"Like all who have served our country, and who serve our country in the Australian Defence Force, he sought to make the world a safer place. All Australians honour him," he said in a statement.
The soldier was a member of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) participating in a disruption operation against an insurgent network on the border area of Oruzgan province.
"The soldier was clearing the compound when an IED detonated, killing him instantly," Defence chief General David Hurley said reporters.
No other Australian or Afghan soldiers were killed or injured.
The SOTG comprises members of the Special Air Service Regiment, Commando Regiments and Special Operations Engineer Regiment.
General Hurley said the operation was continuing and, to protect the soldier's comrades, no details could be released. Family members have requested that no personal details be released at this stage.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith expressed his condolences.
"It is one of the terrible and tragic hazards and risks and consequence of our engagement in Afghanistan," he told reporters in Sydney.
Mr Smith said the government continued to believe completing the mission in Afghanistan was in the national interest.
"We believe we are on track to transition to Afghan-led security responsibility overall in Oruzgan province over the next 12 to 15 months," he said.
Greens leader Christine Milne also expressed her condolences.
"The Greens once again urge the government to bring our troops home as swiftly and safely as possible," she said in a statement.
The Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs extended the navy's condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the soldier.
"Our thoughts from across the navy are with them today," he said in Sydney.
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