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Soldier killed in Iraq raid named | |
(1 day later) | |
A British soldier who died after an operation in the southern Iraqi city of Basra has been named by the MoD. | |
Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth of the Parachute Regiment was carrying out a "search and detention" operation. | |
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. |
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said about 200 troops have been involved in the planned operation to detain "individuals suspected of criminal activity". | |
Sgt Hollingsworth was injured during the raid. | |
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". |
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