Estonian soldier killed in southern Afghanistan

September 1, 2010

An Estonian soldier has been killed in southern Afghanistan. Sgt. Herdis Sikka was on patrol with his unit in when he was killed in an explosion. His death was announced by the Estonian Defence Ministry.

20 year-old Sikka had been the driver of the armoured personnel carrier when his unit came under attack. No one else was injured in the attack. Fellow soldiers tried to administer first aid and Sikka was transported by helicopter to.

A joint statement from Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Foreign Minister  praised his "invaluable contribution to the construction of a secure future." President wrote a letter of condolence to Sikka's family.

With Sikka's death, the death-toll of Estonian soldiers in Afghanistan has risen to eight.