Menu
14/11/2008
Mayo Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A Co Mayo man fighting in Afghanistan has been killed along with a colleague while serving with British forces.
Robert McKibben, 32, from Westport, died alongside a fellow marine after their patrol was hit by an explosion when the vehicle he was travelling in was blasted by an explosive device in Helmand province.
A spokesperson for the British forces in Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, described the deaths on Wednesday were "tragic".
"This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones," he said.
Local priest Mícheál Mannion in Westport said the family and community were devastated by the news.
Two weeks ago, it was revealed that a British commander with the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had resigned, blaming the failure to provide his troops with heavy armoured vehicles for the deaths of some of his soldiers.
Major Sebastian Morley, commander of SAS (Special Air Service) troops in Afghanistan, had "resigned in disgust".
On Wednesday Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, announced Britain would buy $1.13bn worth of 700 new and upgraded armoured vehicles to protect its forces in Afghanistan.
See: Two Royal Marines Killed In Explosion
(DW)
Robert McKibben, 32, from Westport, died alongside a fellow marine after their patrol was hit by an explosion when the vehicle he was travelling in was blasted by an explosive device in Helmand province.
A spokesperson for the British forces in Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, described the deaths on Wednesday were "tragic".
"This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones," he said.
Local priest Mícheál Mannion in Westport said the family and community were devastated by the news.
Two weeks ago, it was revealed that a British commander with the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had resigned, blaming the failure to provide his troops with heavy armoured vehicles for the deaths of some of his soldiers.
Major Sebastian Morley, commander of SAS (Special Air Service) troops in Afghanistan, had "resigned in disgust".
On Wednesday Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, announced Britain would buy $1.13bn worth of 700 new and upgraded armoured vehicles to protect its forces in Afghanistan.
See: Two Royal Marines Killed In Explosion
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2009
NI Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
It has emerged today that a soldier from Belfast has been killed on active service in troubled Afghanistan. He was shot and killed while on patrol in the Helmand Province yesterday. Belfast man Sean Binnie, a soldier from the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was patrolling with an Afghan National Army.
NI Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
It has emerged today that a soldier from Belfast has been killed on active service in troubled Afghanistan. He was shot and killed while on patrol in the Helmand Province yesterday. Belfast man Sean Binnie, a soldier from the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was patrolling with an Afghan National Army.
17 September 2021
Amnesty International Condemns Govt Amnesty Proposals
British armed forces cannot be placed above the rule of law and accountability, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said. Mr Kelly has welcomed a submission by Amnesty International to the United Nations, which stated that the British government's amnesty proposals are "an utter betrayal of victims and must not become law".
Amnesty International Condemns Govt Amnesty Proposals
British armed forces cannot be placed above the rule of law and accountability, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said. Mr Kelly has welcomed a submission by Amnesty International to the United Nations, which stated that the British government's amnesty proposals are "an utter betrayal of victims and must not become law".
19 December 2001
Court of Appeal supports Saville inquiry soldiers
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the former British soldiers will not have to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Northern Ireland. The decision handed down on Wednesday means that the Saville Inquiry ruling that called on former British soldiers to give evidence in Londonderry has been overturned.
Court of Appeal supports Saville inquiry soldiers
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the former British soldiers will not have to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Northern Ireland. The decision handed down on Wednesday means that the Saville Inquiry ruling that called on former British soldiers to give evidence in Londonderry has been overturned.
25 October 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.
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.
19 June 2012
Council Asked To Fly Armed Forces Flag
The Ministry of Defence has asked Belfast City Council to fly a flag for a full week to mark Armed Forces Day. But the letter has arrived too late to be discussed by the full council and in the past, there has been no consensus between political parties on whether or not to fly it. Armed Forces Day, now in its fourth year, is on Saturday June 30.
Council Asked To Fly Armed Forces Flag
The Ministry of Defence has asked Belfast City Council to fly a flag for a full week to mark Armed Forces Day. But the letter has arrived too late to be discussed by the full council and in the past, there has been no consensus between political parties on whether or not to fly it. Armed Forces Day, now in its fourth year, is on Saturday June 30.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
