27/07/2010

British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Monday.

It has emerged that the soldier may have died in a 'friendly fire' incident. An MoD spokesperson said that a smokescreen had been requested for the troops at the time of the incident and that one of the smoke shells "may have fallen short of its intended target".

An investigation has been launched.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving as part of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, was killed this afternoon.

"He was part of a search team that was involved in an operation to provide security in Sangin district when tragically he was killed in an explosion.

"He died seeking to improve the lives of local Afghans. He will be sorely missed by his many friends. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."

Next of kin have been informed.

The latest death brings the total number of British military personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 325.

(KMcA)

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