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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| UK marine killed on Christmas Eve | UK marine killed on Christmas Eve |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A Royal Marine was killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve, the Ministry of Defence has said. | A Royal Marine was killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve, the Ministry of Defence has said. |
| The marine, from 42 Commando, died from enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. | The marine, from 42 Commando, died from enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. |
| Military spokeswoman Commander Paula Rowe said the death was "particularly poignant" so close to Christmas. The marine's family has been informed. | |
| Some 136 UK troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001, including 11 Royal Marines in the past two months. | |
| 'Dedicated professional' | |
| Commander Rowe said: "The death of this Royal Marine is a tragic loss and coming so close to Christmas, this is particularly poignant. | |
| "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this dreadfully sad time." | |
| Nato spokesman Capt Mark Windsor, of the Royal Navy, expressed sadness at the marine's death. | |
| Capt Windsor said: "This dedicated professional risked his life to help bring security and stability to the people of Afghanistan. | |
| "[Nato's] International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) will continue to fight for the cause for which this brave serviceman gave his life." |