UK soldier killed in Afghanistan explosion, MoD says
UK soldier killed in Afghanistan explosion, MoD says next of kin informed
Friday, 21, May 2010 05:19
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced on Friday.
The MoD said the as-yet unnamed marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was conducting a foot patrol with the Afghan national army near patrol base Almas, in Sangin, Helmand province, when the blast took place.
Spokesman for Taskforce Helmand Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed by an explosion this morning in Sangin.
"He was conducting reassurance operations with the Afghan national army when he was struck by an explosion.
"He died a marine, doing his duty alongside his British and Afghan comrades. His actions will not be forgotten and we will always remember him."
The MoD added that the soldier's next of kin had been informed. He is the 286th UK soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2001.