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Soldier dies in Basra operation Soldier killed in Iraq raid named
(1 day later)
A British soldier has died after an operation in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. A British soldier who died after an operation in the southern Iraqi city of Basra has been named by the MoD.
The soldier, who was a member of the Parachute Regiment, was carrying out a "search and detention" operation. Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth of the Parachute Regiment was carrying out a "search and detention" operation.
He was shot during the manoeuvre and was taken to a nearby military hospital, where he later died. Sgt Hollingsworth was shot during the manoeuvre and was taken to a nearby military hospital, where he later died.
Defence Secretary Des Browne said he "did not die in vain" as the operation detained people "known to attack both civilian and military personnel".
The death takes the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 126. Four soldiers were killed in Basra City on 12 November.The death takes the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 126. Four soldiers were killed in Basra City on 12 November.
Family informed A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said about 200 troops have been involved in the planned operation to detain "individuals suspected of criminal activity".
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that the soldier had died from his injuries. Sgt Hollingsworth was injured during the raid.
He added that members of the soldier's family had been informed but they had asked for 24 hours to inform other relatives before details of his identity are released. An MoD statement said: "Sgt Hollingsworth sustained gunshot wounds during the operation and was evacuated to a nearby military hospital. Despite the best possible medical care, he later died from his injuries."
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett told MPs that it might be possible to hand Basra's security to Iraqi forces "at some point next spring".On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett told MPs that it might be possible to hand Basra's security to Iraqi forces "at some point next spring".
The Foreign Office said this did not mean all UK troops would be leaving.The Foreign Office said this did not mean all UK troops would be leaving.
The UK has 7,200 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly stationed in and around Basra.The UK has 7,200 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly stationed in and around Basra.
Mrs Beckett made it clear that the handover was not definite, saying that to leave too early would make the bloodshed "even worse".Mrs Beckett made it clear that the handover was not definite, saying that to leave too early would make the bloodshed "even worse".