This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8096531.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| UK soldier dies in Afghan blast | UK soldier dies in Afghan blast |
| (11 minutes later) | |
| A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. | A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. |
| The soldier, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment, was caught in the blast while on operation near Kandahar on Thursday. | The soldier, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment, was caught in the blast while on operation near Kandahar on Thursday. |
| Lt Col Nick Richardson said all thoughts were with the soldier's family, who had been informed. | Lt Col Nick Richardson said all thoughts were with the soldier's family, who had been informed. |
| The death brings the total number of British troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 167. | The death brings the total number of British troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 167. |
| It follows that of Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher, with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who died following an explosion near Gereshk in Helmand province on 2 June. | |
| The 19-year-old, from Reading, Berkshire, was killed while on patrol. | |
| After the latest death, Lt Col Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is an incredibly sad day for the whole of the Task Force but our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers of The Black Watch and particularly the bereaved friends and family of the soldier during this very sad time." | |
| Brig Gen Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, added: "We will remember this life and priceless service in support of the Afghan people with great respect and gratitude." |