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UK marine killed in Afghanistan MoD names marine killed by mine
(1 day later)
A Royal Marine has been killed by a landmine in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. A Royal Marine killed by a landmine in Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence.
The marine, from 45 Commando, was killed during a routine patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand province on Wednesday. Jonathan Holland, 23, from Chorley, Lancashire, was killed during a patrol in Sangin district on Wednesday.
The next of kin have been told but the marine's name has not been released. The total number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 has now risen to 48.
In western Afghanistan, one Spanish female soldier was killed and two other troops were wounded when a convoy of armoured ambulances came under attack. Colonel Ian Huntley, acting commander of the UK Task Force in Afghanistan, announced the death of Marine Holland with "deep regret".
Colonel Ian Huntley, Acting Commander of the UK Task Force in Afghanistan, announced the death of the British marine with "deep regret". The Ministry of Defence said Marine Holland, who was known as Dutchy, was the longest serving member of the Royal Marines' Whiskey Company, a fact of which he was "extremely proud".
"Whilst the loss of a valued colleague is a severe blow, our immediate thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, whose anguish must be immense," he said. An MoD spokesman said: "He was superb company; a gregarious, outgoing character, and extremely popular among those with whom he served. Above all, his ability to see the funny side of almost anything was legendary within his company."
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to them. His mother, Bernadette, said: "The family is devastated by the news of Jonathan's death. He was a kind and caring lad who would do anything for anyone.
"This loss, though tragic, will not deflect us from our mission, rather it hardens our resolve." "He loved his life in the Royal Marines and we were all so proud of him when he joined. He was planning to settle down with his fiancée and go into business with his younger brother.
The total number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 has now risen to 47. "His death leaves a huge hole in our lives; his memory will live on with us and all who knew him."
The attack on the Spanish forces is believed to have occurred when they struck a powerful mine in the western town of Shindand.
The soldiers were travelling in one of five armoured vehicles supporting Italian forces, a statement from the Spanish Defence Ministry said.
It added it expected the two male soldiers hurt in the blast to survive.