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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan Four UK Afghan deaths in one day
(about 3 hours later)
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. Two UK soldiers have died in an attack in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, bringing the total killed on Thursday to four.
The soldier, from 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died in Helmand province after the patrol vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosive device. A soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and one from 173 Provost Company, 3rd Regiment, Royal Military Police died after a suicide attack.
The incident follows the death of a Black Watch soldier who was hit by a bullet in Helmand on Thursday. Both soldiers' families have been informed. Another soldier, from 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died in an explosion and a Black Watch soldier was shot.
Since 2001, 155 UK troops have been killed on operations in Afghanistan. The families of all the soldiers have been informed.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said the two deaths within hours meant it was a "sad day" in the history of British operations in Helmand. Since 2001, 157 UK troops have been killed on operations in Afghanistan.
Sad time The soldiers killed by the suicide attack died during a patrol in Gereshk, Helmand Province.
The latest death, in Sangin in the north of the province, had "deeply moved" all colleagues, he said. Speaking of these two deaths, Lt Col Nick Richardson said: "With heavy heart we report another extremely sad situation, where lives of our courageous soldiers have been sacrificed for the greater good of the Afghan people.
"The loss of a soldier, friend and colleague is tragic and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time," he added. "Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to their families and loved ones and we offer our thoughts and prayers to them all at this most painful and distressing time."
Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, said the soldier had made the "ultimate sacrifice to bring hope and peace to the people of Afghanistan". 'Ultimate sacrifice'
Col Richardson had earlier spoken about the deaths of the two other soldiers killed in Helmand.
He said the fact that both had died within hours of each other meant it was a "sad day" in the history of British operations in Helmand.
Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, said the soldier from 2nd Battalion The Rifles had made the "ultimate sacrifice to bring hope and peace to the people of Afghanistan".
The soldier was killed in Sangin, in the north of the province.
On Thursday, defence officials announced the soldier from the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, had died from a gunshot wound suffered during a patrol with the Afghan National Army in the vicinity of Woqab, near Musa Qala in Helmand.On Thursday, defence officials announced the soldier from the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, had died from a gunshot wound suffered during a patrol with the Afghan National Army in the vicinity of Woqab, near Musa Qala in Helmand.