British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan blast
British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan blast
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By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Saturday, 25, Jul 2009 03:18
By Lewis Bazley.
A British soldier has been killed while on a vehicle patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
The serviceman, part of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, died after an explosion in Lashkar Gah District, Helmand, a spokesman announced.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "He was one soldier, who was here for one cause, to help the Afghan people."
The soldier's death takes British fatalities in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 189. He is the 20th serviceman to die in Afghanistan in July 2009 alone.
An MoD spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 40th Regiment Royal Artillery 'The Lowland Gunners', attached to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, has been killed."
The soldier's passing comes after defence secretary Bob Ainsworth announced 125 extra personnel would be sent to Afghanistan following high casualties during Operation Panchai Palang, which is targeting a Taliban presence in Helmand province.