The death toll for Canadians serving in the present mission in Afghanistan is now 97, including 96 soldiers and one diplomat.

A National Defence news release says a bold frontal attack by Taliban forces killed three and wounded five Canadian soldiers. All three soldiers killed were 2 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) out of Shilo, Manitoba. 3PPCLI soldiers are stationed in Edmonton, Alberta.

One soldier of the five wounded has already returned to duty.

One of the three soldiers killed, Cpl. Andrew Grenon, had written a poem called, Why We Fight.

The Taliban have been unusually bold and sophisticated in their attacks this summer fighting season, following the first success of an 30-man attack on Sarposa Prison in Khandahar, freeing what reports indicate were between 600 and 1,000 prisoners held there.

In response to increased pressure from the Taliban, American forces have made an attack within the Pakistan border. Women and children were reportedly killed in the morning raid, which has been condemned by the Pakistani parliament, days before a new president, Asif Ali Zardari, is chosen to replace Pervez Musharraf, who resigned August 18 after holding the office nine years.

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