DEADLY

5 Australians Killed in Afghanistan

Worst combat losses for that country since the Vietnam War.

Five Australian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan Wednesday, the deadliest day for that country’s troops since the Vietnam War. The soldiers were killed by an Afghan wearing a soldier’s uniform—bringing the number NATO-led coalition troops killed this year in so-called friendly shootings up to 45. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Thursday she would return home early from a regional Pacific leaders’ conference for briefings on the deaths. “This is news so truly shocking that it’s going to feel for many Australians like a physical blow,” an emotional Gillard said. Gillard said there would not be an early exit from Afghanistan, despite that overwhelming support from Australians.