The ADF says Coalition and Afghan personnel have remembered three killed soldiers at a ceremony at Tarin Kot in Afghanistan, , Captain Bryce Duffy, 26, Corporal Ashley Birt, 22, and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, 29.
In a press release, the ADF quoted the Commander of Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to the Middle East, Major General Angus Campbell.
"Captain Duffy, Corporal Birt and Lance Corporal Gavin were held in high regard by their mates and their commanders and their loss has deeply affected all Australian and coalition personnel serving in Afghanistan and the Middle East.” Major General Campbell said.
“In true ANZAC spirit they gave their all because they believed they were making a difference for the people of Afghanistan – their sacrifice will inspire us as we go about our crucial mission here in Afghanistan.”
Afghan National Army member Darwish Khan shot in total ten Australians as well as a number of Afghans, reportedly opening fire with a machine gun.
His father on Tuesday told the ABC's Sally Sara that he was certain he had nothing to do with the Taliban and could not explain his actions.
"No, I can tell you with confidence, he hasn't had anything to do with the Taliban," he said.
"When I heard about this incident, I was stunned.
At the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said the army's efforts in Afghanistan would be boosted.
“The best way we can honour their sacrifice is to re-double our efforts, because that is what they deserve,” Colonel Smith said.
