Father of killed NZ soldier expresses his sympathies

The father of a New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan two years ago is expressing his sympathies to the families of the men who were killed there at the weekend.

Lance Corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone were killed after being ambushed by insurgents in northeastern Bamiyan on Saturday night.

Both were 26 and on their first deployments.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack which has cost the lives of two New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan.

But the Taliban tend to claim responsibility for all such attacks, whether they are involved or not.

Tim O'Donnell was also killed in Bamyan Province, two years ago to the day.

His father Mark says his heart goes out to the family and friends of the fallen men.

"It all seems so surreal until in fact they get their loved ones home. And the whole next couple of weeks will just go in a blur and then it really hits home."

The Prime Minister expects to meet with the families of our two soldiers killed.

It's understood the two 26-year-olds have few relatives in this country.

One of their mothers is flying here from the northern hemisphere.

John Key says it's a tragedy.

He says it's a concern that the incident's happened in an area that's always been deemed reasonably safe.

"That shouldn't stop us leaving, we've done a lot there but in the end at some point the Afghan Government and the Afghan people have to take responsibility for their own future."

Mr Key is sticking to the plan - our troops will come home sometime next year.

Photo: NZDF