Canadian troops fire on Afghan car, one killed

KABUL, Mar 15 (Reuters) Canadian forces on patrol in Afghanistan opened fire on a vehicle, apparently in the belief it was a suicide bomb attempt, killing a passenger, a Canadian forces spokeswoman said today.

An investigation had been launched by an independent Canadian service into the shooting in Kandahar city in the Afghan south late last night, said the spokeswoman, Captain Julie Roberge.

''A man was shot yesterday while Canadian forces were doing a routine patrol .... he died this morning in hospital,'' Roberge said.

''This is being investigated, we take it very seriously,'' she said.

Canada has 2,300 soldiers in Kandahar, where it commands a multinational task force.

Taliban insurgents and their militants allies have stepped up attacks in recent months in a bid to drive out foreign forces and defeat the Western-backed government.

Suicide bomb attacks have soared with at least 12 this year, compared with 17 last year.

A Canadian diplomat was killed and three Canadian soldiers wounded in a suicide attack in Kandahar in January.

Roberge said because of the danger of suicide car bombs, drivers are told to keep clear from Canadian convoys and patrols.

The investigation would determine if the driver ignored warnings to stay away or if the firing was no warranted, she said.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a surprise visit to Kandahar on Monday to rally the troops and shore up support at home for the Afghan mission.

Ten Canadian soldiers and the diplomat have been killed and 33 soldiers wounded since Canada first deployed soldiers in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.

Reuters HS BD1640