NZ soldiers killed in Afghanistan

The Prime Minister says kiwi troops won't be pulled from Afghanistan before next year, despite the deaths of two soldiers.

Two New Zealand soldiers were killed and six injured when they were ambushed by insurgents in the nolrtheast of Bamyan Province last night.

John Key says he's still committed to bringing the troops home next year, but not earlier.

"It's quite a large logistical exercise firstly to exit that part of Bamyan that we're in. We've got about 145 personnel there, and we've been there a better part of a decade so it'll take some time anyway to do that."

What is known so far is that the two fallen and six injured soldiers were assisting local security forces who were under attack.

Two of those local security personnel have also died, and ten others plus a civilian have been injured.

The wounded have been evacuated to a military hospital, and the Defence Force is now contacting next of kin.

Mr Key is offering his condolences to the families of the two soldiers.

He says he feels enormous sadness at the deaths, and says his thoughts are with the family and friends of the dead and injured.

The Governor General is also extending his deepest sympathies to the families, friend and mates-in-arms of the two soldiers who died.

Sir Jerry Mateparae says they paid the ultimate sacrifice.

He says they and the six who've been injured have been part of a team which has worked tirelessly and consistently to bring peace and stability to the province.

Labour Party leader David Shearer is offering his condolences to the families of New Zealand Defence Force victims killed in Afghanistan.

David Shearer says these tragic deaths have occurred as result of ongoing violence, however New Zealanders should be proud of the work the Defence Force carries out.

He says he hopes for a fast recovery for those who are injured.

The incident brings the number of New Zealand soldiers killed whilst serving in Afghanistan to seven.\

Photo: Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, and Prime Minister John Key (Annabel Reid)