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First Gurkha dies in Afghanistan First Gurkha dies in Afghanistan
(10 minutes later)
A British Army soldier killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Yubraj Rai. A British Army soldier killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Rifleman Yubraj Rai.
The 28-year-old, from Khotang district in eastern Nepal, was the first Gurkha to die during the conflict.The 28-year-old, from Khotang district in eastern Nepal, was the first Gurkha to die during the conflict.
His death on Tuesday brought the number of UK troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 122.His death on Tuesday brought the number of UK troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 122.
Mr Rai, from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was killed in the Musa Qala area of Helmand province when his patrol came under attack. Rifleman Rai, from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was killed in the Musa Qala area of Helmand province.
The MoD said Rifleman Rai was taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Security Forces operation when his patrol came under attack.
Yubraj Rai was an extraordinary character and a hard professional soldier with a proven operational record Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby
He received medical treatment at the scene, but died a short time later from his wounds.
Rifleman Rai joined the Army in January 1999, following in the footsteps of his uncle who was also a Gurkha.
He had been employed as his company's storeman, but had recently volunteered to deploy with 5 Platoon to replace another rifleman who had fallen ill.
His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby said: "Yubraj Rai was an extraordinary character and a hard professional soldier with a proven operational record.
"Big, strong and highly experienced, Rfn Yubraj was one of the cornerstones of his Company and he was known throughout the battalion for his presence, drive and his ability as a soldier."