Soldier dies in Afghanistan An Australian soldier has died during a battle with insurgents in Afghanistan, bringing the Australian Defence Force toll to 40. Two other personnel have also been injured. The ADF chief, General David Hurley, said the decorated Sydney-based soldier died from small arms fire during an engagement with insurgents about 3pm Australian time on Saturday. "It's my sad duty this morning to inform you of the death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan," he said in Canberra on Sunday. General Hurley said the Australian special operations task group had been involved in an operation to disrupt an insurgent network in southern Afghanistan. Members of the patrol provided immediate first aid to the wounded. Sadly despite their efforts they could not save one of their mates. General Hurley extended his deepest sympathies to the family, who asked for the man's name not to be released at this stage. "This man was a decorated solider from the Sydney based 2nd Commando Regiment," he said. His mates describe him as one of the most iconic figures in the regiment. This was his fifth tour of Afghanistan, having previously served in Iraq and Timor Leste. In combat and as a team commander, he was the man to watch and never happier than when the situation demanded decisive action and courage. General Hurley said the news would be difficult for the families of fallen soldiers, many of whom gathered in north Queensland on Saturday at the opening of Australia's first national memorial for Afghanistan. Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the soldier's death was a terrible reminder for the families of Australia's fallen soldiers. ""This will be a terrible blow to the family concerned, but also a terrible reminder to the other 39 families [who have lost loved ones],"" he told reporters in Perth. Mr Smith said the objective of preventing Afghanistan from again becoming a terrorist hotbed remains, despite the commando being killed in action. "Our objective in Afghanistan has always been to prevent the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area from again becoming a breeding ground for international terrorists,"" he said. ""That is our mission. We believe we have made very good grounds on that front."" However, Mr Smith said to make sure their impact endured after the forces left the country, the Afghans themselves would have to take responsibility for their own security and the area would need to strive for peace and reconciliation. ""It's in our national interest to continue,"" he said. ""By finishing the job, we'll transition in Oruzgan by the end of this year. ""We'll then need to see what arrangements are entered into between the United States and Afghanistan before making a judgement about what additional contribution, if any, we could make after all of Afghanistan transitions at the end of 2014."" Prime Minister Julia Gillard offered the nation's condolences to the families involved, noting the tragedy followed the memorial opening on Saturday. "It seems particularly cruel that as that service was coming to the end we were starting to receive the first news of more death, more wounding in Afghanistan," she said. Ms Gillard said each death hit the nation hard and was a painful reminder of the dangers facing Australian personnel. She said many may have been lulled into a false sense of security by the fact the ADF had not suffered a death in Afghanistan since October last year. Ms Gillard said the majority of Australian forces would come home at the end of this year, but special forces may have an ongoing role. The training and mentoring of Afghan local forces had made a "real difference" in helping to ensure they were ready to step up when Australian troops left, she said. Another special forces soldier was seriously wounded, underwent surgery and was taken to Kandahar for further treatment. Afghanistan is now in its so-called ""fighting season"" but most Australian soldiers are not in the highest risk areas anymore, Mr Smith said. However, there was always a high risk for special forces personnel, he said. ""The risk profile has changed, but Afghanistan continues to be a difficult and dangerous place,"" he said. General Hurley said a Royal Australian Air Force airman suffered a minor wound and was being treated in Tarin Kowt. All families have been notified and arrangements will be made for the soldier's body to be returned to Australia next week.