British soldier killed in Afghan explosion
British soldier killed in Afghan explosion
Also In The News
|
Catalan Dragons captain Greg Bird has been given a one-match suspension after a reckless tackle on Celtic Crusaders prop Ryan O'Hara last Saturday. |  |
Wednesday, 08, Jul 2009 05:43
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed a British solider has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
The solider, from The Light Dragoons, was taking part in Operation Panchai Palang (Panthers Claw) near Gereshk, Helmand Province, on Tuesday when he was killed.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "This soldier gave his life for the security of his own country and the freedom of the Afghan people; there is no greater sacrifice than this.
"Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones."
The soldier's next of kin have been informed.
The number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led invasion now stands at 176, with seven soldiers having been killed in the last week.
During a speech in central London today, defence secretary Bob Ainsworth warned the campaign in Afghanistan would be "hard and dangerous" with more lives lost.
He said that winning the military campaign against the Taliban was in the UK's national interest and it would continue to take courage and patience but progress was being made.