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Royal Marine dies in Afghanistan Royal Marine dies in Afghanistan
(about 1 hour later)
A Royal Marine has died after his unit came under fire in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.A Royal Marine has died after his unit came under fire in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.
The marine, from 42 Commando, was involved in a clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand province.The marine, from 42 Commando, was involved in a clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand province.
The death takes the number of UK troops killed in combat operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 51.The death takes the number of UK troops killed in combat operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 51.
An MoD spokesman said the marine was not involved in a major Nato assault against Taleban and drug traffickers in the same district. An MoD spokesman said the marine was not involved in a major Nato assault against Taleban and drug traffickers taking place in the same district.
Our Marines continue to display professionalism, determination and dedication Brigadier Jerry Thomas Major Nato anti-Taleban drive Our Marines continue to display professionalism, determination and dedication Brigadier Jerry Thomas Major Nato anti-Taleban drive class="" href="/1/hi/world/south_asia/6400245.stm">Vital power source
Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force, said: "Our marine was killed during a pre-planned operation.Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force, said: "Our marine was killed during a pre-planned operation.
"Whilst the loss of a valued colleague is a tragic blow, our Marines continue to display their professionalism, determination and dedication in carrying out their duties in our area of operations in an exemplary fashion.""Whilst the loss of a valued colleague is a tragic blow, our Marines continue to display their professionalism, determination and dedication in carrying out their duties in our area of operations in an exemplary fashion."
The MoD said the marine's next-of-kin have been informed.The MoD said the marine's next-of-kin have been informed.
Last month, the government said the UK would deploy 1,400 more troops to Afghanistan over the summer, bringing total numbers up to 7,700. Kidnap claims
The last British deaths in Afghanistan came on Saturday when two servicemen from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, were killed in a rocket attack in the Sangin area of Helmand.
Last month, the government said the UK would deploy 1,400 more troops to the country over the summer, bringing total numbers up to 7,700.
The Nato operation in northern Helmand, involving British, US, Dutch, Canadian and local troops, was reportedly launched at the request of the Afghan government.
Part of its focus is the area around the Kajaki dam, where the Taleban have been engaging British forces.
The military wants to secure strategically important hydro-electric plant that the so that it can be repaired.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said it is looking into claims the Taleban is holding a British journalist and two Afghan nationals after they entered the Nad Ali area of Helmand.