03/06/2009

British Soldier Dies In Afghan Bomb Blast

A British soldier has died in an explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of the blast near Gereshk in Helmand province on Tuesday morning.

His next of kin has been informed.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "We share in the pain that is felt by his family, friends and colleagues at the loss of this courageous soldier, our thoughts and prayers are with them."

The death brings the total of British troops killed in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001, to 166.

(JM/BMcC)

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