Heavy, wet snow fell in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Wednesday, as Canadian soldiers paid tribute to one of their fallen comrades.

Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy, 26, of Conception Harbour, Nfld., was killed in a suicide bombing Tuesday. Three other soldiers were injured

"It's appropriate that we have good Canadian weather falling on us today to send home a good Canadian who has fallen in the line of duty," Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force, told soldiers during the ceremony.

Cpl. Don LeBlanc spoke of Murphy's common-law spouse, Candice McCauley, calling her "the love of his life."

Murphy was expected to go home to McCauley in Petawawa, Ont., on Feb. 6 -- a couple days earlier than scheduled. Instead, his body began the journey from Kabul Wednesday afternoon accompanied by a few select friends who will act as pallbearers.

Murphy was on loan to the Parachute Company, so most of his fellow comrades had only gotten to know him over the past six months.

"He had a sharp wit and he was always quick with the tongue," said Cpl. Christian Elia of Toronto. "He came over to our unit, and we got to know him quickly. He was a brother."

Cpl. Steve Parsons added a message for Murphy's family in Newfoundland and Petawawa, Ont. "I want to send my condolences to the family and let them know one thing: We share the pain."

Murphy was killed when a suicide bomber attacked the Iltis vehicle he was riding in while on a routine patrol through the outskirts of Kabul. He died instantly.

Iltis ordered out of action

As a precaution, Canadian troops have been ordered to use only armoured vehicles for patrols. They have cancelled foot patrols and parked their Iltis jeeps.

But Canadian soldiers say they like the vehicles. They say the jeeps can fit down narrow Kabul streets and troops can easily interact with civilians.

Defence Minister David Pratt says even though Canadian troops aren't using Iltis jeeps, there's no guarantee of safety.

"We certainly can't rule the possibility of more casualties out," Pratt told reporters after Wednesday's cabinet meeting. "We've had casualties in the past in Afghanistan. What I want to emphasize very strongly is that the commanders on the ground are taking all of the appropriate precautions."

At a media briefing in Ottawa Wednesday, Prime Minister Paul Martin mentioned that leaders such as himself often dealt with big-picture, geopolitical issues -- and then something happens to remind him that people are what it is really all about.

"When you think about the death of Cpl. Jamie Murphy ... we're talking about real people and we're talking about real tragedy," he said, adding he had spoken with Murphy's fiance and would speak with his parents Thursday.

Canadians account for about 40 per cent of the 5,200-strong ISAF force in Afghanistan, which has soldiers from 34 countries.

Another attack

As the memorial was taking place at Camp Julien, a blast could be heard in the distance. ISAF deputy commander Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie told the gathering the explosion was another attack, this one near Camp Souter, the British base in Kabul.

Leslie said the attack had killed a British soldier and wounded four more troops. A taxi packed with explosives detonated near the soldiers' patrol vehicle near the camp.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for all of the suicide attacks.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced plans Wednesday for a new offensive this spring. The campaign's aim will be to stop remnants of the Taliban regime and the al Qaeda terror network.

Orders have been issued to prepare equipment and supplies for the coming offensive. One official says the operation won't necessarily require additional U.S. troops in the region.

Such a campaign would be located near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and operate separately from the ISAF activities, but would likely make more difficulties for security forces in and around Kabul.