27/05/2010

 

A Marine has been killed while on foot patrol, in Afghanistan's Helmand Province – the second soldier to die in the past 24 hours – the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The marine was killed by an explosion yesterday while serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines, as part of Combined Forces Sangin, Helmand.

His death follows that of a British soldier who was fatally injured yesterday morning in a fire-fight with insurgents.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said:

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed by an explosion in Sangin last night.

"He was conducting a reassurance foot patrol in the Green Zone around Sangin when tragically he was struck by an explosion.

"His boldness and commitment to the mission will not be forgotten. He died a Marine; he will be sorely missed and we will remember him."

The serviceman was working to reassure local nationals and understand their concerns about living in the area when he was killed.

The first soldier, from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, died from a gunshot wound in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand Province.

Serving as part of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, he came under attack on a foot patrol with Afghan National Army troops to reassure local people, the MoD said.

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

The number of British troops who have died in operations in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2001 is 288.

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