John Key

Wellington, June 8 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key today offered his condolences to Australia after two Australian soldiers were killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

The two soldiers, from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time, deputy defence force chief David Hurley said.

They were Australia's first multiple combat fatalities since the Vietnam war.

Their deaths yesterday, the most deadly day for Nato-led coalition forces this year, took the toll of Australian fatalities to 13 since the Afghan campaign's start in 2002.

Mr Key said he would write to his Australian counterpart, Kevin Rudd, to formally offer his condolences.

"While this is a tragic event the Australian government has said it remains resolved to continue the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan."

Mr Rudd said all Australians mourn the loss.

"This is an enormous loss for their families and their loved ones," he said.

"On behalf of the government and the people of Australia I extend to them our deepest condolences and our deepest sympathies."

The blast occurred in the restive Mirabad Valley, an area where Australian, Afghan and coalition forces are attempting to eliminate Taliban activity.

Earlier on Monday, an Australian patrol had discovered three substantial caches of weapons and munitions, including 1600 rounds of ammunition, 23 rocket-propelled grenades and five mortar rounds plus fuses.

Mr Key said at this stage there was no change in plans for New Zealand's commitment in Afghanistan. The SAS were scheduled to return to New Zealand in March 2011 and there would be a "slow and gradual" wind down in New Zealand's presence in Bamiyan.

He said IEDs were a real risk for New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan.

However, inevitably tragic and horrific events, such as the deaths of the Australians, would take place.

The Government would monitor the situation as much as it could.

"I think we're doing the best we can in a practical sense," he said.