Another Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A Canadian soldier has been killed during a training accident northeast of Kandahar City.

The death of Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker brings to 140 Canadian soldiers and two civilians who have been killed in Canada's eight-year mission in Afghanistan. The military offered few details about Baker's death other than to say it happened during a routine training exercise.

"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them to maintain high levels of expertise," Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, the top commander in Kandahar, said in a statement.

An investigation into Baker's death is now underway to determine what caused the accident.

An Edmonton native, Baker, 24, was serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened up any room.

"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said.

"No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."

Menard described Baker as an "extremely passionate" person who loved his job.

"Joshua was mentally tough, physically robust and had a personality that made him a natural leader," he said.

"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them. He also had a deep love for his faith; it was something he took pride in and that gave him strength."

News of the soldier's death came as Canadian troops were taking part in the largest air assault of the Afghan war in neighbouring Helmand province.

American, British, Afghan and other coalition troops stormed the insurgent-held town of Marjah and the district of Nad Ali early Saturday morning.

Three Canadian Chinook helicopters were helping ferry some 1,100 coalition troops to Nad Ali, under the watch of four Canadian Griffon escorts.

The pre-dawn attack is called Operation Moshtarak - meaning "together" in Dari - and it is by far the largest offensive staged since U.S. President Barack Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan to try to quell a spreading insurgency.