25/10/2012

NI Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

A soldier from Northern Ireland and a Royal Marine have been killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

The Royal Marine, from 40 Commando and the soldier, from 3 Medical Regiment, were on patrol in the Helmand province on Wednesday when they were killed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed both families have been informed.

The female soldier was 25 years old and from Comber in County Down.

It is thought the deaths were caused by a "green on blue" attack which means they were killed by Afghan allies.

It has also been reported that the Taliban issued a statement confirming the "green on blue" nature of the attack.

First Minister Peter Robinson has expressed his sympathies to the family of the woman.

He said: "It is with great regret and sadness that I have learned of the death of this young soldier who has tragically lost her life while trying to protect and save the lives of those around her.

"The incredible bravery displayed by our armed forces is immense and the risk they take on a daily basis can never be underestimated. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues who continue to give service to their country."

The deaths take the total number of UK service members to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 435.

While there are no exact figures for the number of civilians killed since the war in Afghanistan began in 2001, most estimates calculate a minimum of 20,000 civilian deaths.

(IT/CD)

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