KABUL, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Four Canadian soldiers were killed and several others wounded on Sunday during a major NATO offensive in Southern Afghanistan.

    The soldiers were killed during a major air and ground offensive-- dubbed Operation Medusa -- which includes Canadian, British and American troops joined by Afghan forces in Kandahar Province.

    The Canadian Forces general, Brig. Gen. David Fraser, made the announcement at a news conference in Kandahar on Sunday, according to Canadian media reports.

    "I am saddened to announce that four Canadian soldiers were killed . . . during today's operations and a number of others were wounded" in the Panjwayi district, west of Kandahar, Fraser said.

    "All but one of the wounded is expected to return to their duties within the next few days." He said.

    Fraser offered his condolences to the families of the victims, whose identities are being held until families are notified.

    Earlier, an official with NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the soldiers died when they were hit by enemy fire in fighting in Panjwaii district, west of the city of Kandahar.

    The latest deaths bring the total number of Canadian casualties to 30 since the mission in Afghanistan began in 2002. Enditem