08/01/2013

British Soldier Killed In Afghan Army Attack

A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan in another suspected 'green on blue' attack by a member of the Afghan army.

The Ministry of Defence has announced that a soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment, attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 7 January 2013.

The soldier was killed by small arms fire from a suspected member of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

It is thought he fired at ANA and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) soldiers at Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Major Laurence Roche, said: "It is my painful duty to report the death of a soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment who was shot and killed by a suspected member of the Afghan National Army at a patrol base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

"This is an extremely sad day for the Corps of Royal Engineers and everyone serving with Task Force Helmand. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this time."

The soldier’s family has been informed.

The news comes as British troops gradually withdraw from patrol bases in Nahr-e Saraj, considered one of the most violent areas in Afghanistan.

In November, a captain in the Royal Scots Borderers was killed in a similar attack at Forward Operating Base Shawqat in the Nad 'Ali district.

Three weeks ago Prime Minister David Cameron announced 4,000 British forces would withdraw from Afghanistan this year, as Britain’s involvement in the country comes to an end.

(IT/GK)

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