Menu
21/11/2005
British soldier killed in Iraq explosion
A British soldier has been killed and four others seriously injured in a roadside bomb blast in the southern Iraq city of Basra.
The attack happened at around 12:30pm local time, during a routine patrol in the heart of the city.
The latest killing brings the number of British soldiers killed in Iraq to 98, since the start of the war in 2003.
Army spokesperson Major Steve Melborune said that the explosion had been caused by a roadside bomb, but that no further details were known about the attack. Asked whether insurgents could have carried out the attack, Maj Melbourne said: “We don’t really have a problem with insurgents. It is more the terrorist elements. These are very small groups that operate in the area.”
There has been speculation that the explosion might have been caused by a new type of sophisticated explosive device, believed to be responsible for the deaths of eight British soldiers in the area since the summer.
The devices, which use infrared triggers and are capable of piercing armour are believed to have been developed in Iran. Recently, the British government accused Iran of supplying the devices to terrorist elements in Iraq – a charge that has been denied by the Iranians.
(KMcA/SP)
The attack happened at around 12:30pm local time, during a routine patrol in the heart of the city.
The latest killing brings the number of British soldiers killed in Iraq to 98, since the start of the war in 2003.
Army spokesperson Major Steve Melborune said that the explosion had been caused by a roadside bomb, but that no further details were known about the attack. Asked whether insurgents could have carried out the attack, Maj Melbourne said: “We don’t really have a problem with insurgents. It is more the terrorist elements. These are very small groups that operate in the area.”
There has been speculation that the explosion might have been caused by a new type of sophisticated explosive device, believed to be responsible for the deaths of eight British soldiers in the area since the summer.
The devices, which use infrared triggers and are capable of piercing armour are believed to have been developed in Iran. Recently, the British government accused Iran of supplying the devices to terrorist elements in Iraq – a charge that has been denied by the Iranians.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
31 January 2006
British soldier killed in Iraq explosion
A British solider has died in an explosion in southern Iraq, taking the total death toll of UK military personnel to 100. The solider, who is from the 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in the blast in Um Qasr, in the Basra province around 08:34 local time (04:34 GMT).
British soldier killed in Iraq explosion
A British solider has died in an explosion in southern Iraq, taking the total death toll of UK military personnel to 100. The solider, who is from the 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in the blast in Um Qasr, in the Basra province around 08:34 local time (04:34 GMT).
21 June 2004
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
28 September 2004
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
Two soldiers killed in southern Iraq
Two British soldiers have died following an ambush outside the town of Basra in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Soldiers came under fire as they tried to rescue others from an armoured Land Rover which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade at around 0615BST.
27 March 2008
British Soldier Killed In Iraq
A British solider has been killed in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The MoD said that the soldier died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The soldier's family have been informed and have asked for privacy.
British Soldier Killed In Iraq
A British solider has been killed in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The MoD said that the soldier died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The soldier's family have been informed and have asked for privacy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
