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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan UK soldier killed in Afghanistan
(40 minutes later)
A British soldier has been shot dead while manning a checkpoint in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.A British soldier has been shot dead while manning a checkpoint in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
The soldier, from the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, came under attack near Garmsir in Helmand Province. The soldier, from the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, came under attack near Garmsir in Helmand Province early on Thursday.
Relatives have been informed and have requested a period of grace before more details are released.Relatives have been informed and have requested a period of grace before more details are released.
The death brings the number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 54. Fifty-four British troops have been killed in the country since 2001.
In a statement the MoD announced the death, early on Thursday, "with deep regret". In a statement, the MoD expressed "deep regret" at the death.
Two-hour firefight
The soldier was part of a team manning one of three checkpoints in the area.The soldier was part of a team manning one of three checkpoints in the area.
At 0645 Afghanistan time the checkpoint was attacked by eight to 10 lightly-armed Taleban fighters, said the MoD. At 0645 local time (0315 BST) the checkpoint was attacked by eight to 10 lightly-armed Taleban fighters, said the MoD.
This tragic loss will be felt right across the multi-national task force Maj Gen Jacko Page
In a subsequent gun battle the soldier was shot. He was flown to Camp Bastion, the main British base in the area, but medical personnel were unable to save his life.In a subsequent gun battle the soldier was shot. He was flown to Camp Bastion, the main British base in the area, but medical personnel were unable to save his life.
The firefight continued for nearly two hours, with two Dutch jets called in to provide air cover.
Eventually a 500lb (227kg) bomb was dropped on the Taleban firing position, and the remaining members of the dead soldier's team were relieved by incoming troops and allowed to return to base.
Nato's regional commander Major General Jacko Page said: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the soldier who died.Nato's regional commander Major General Jacko Page said: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the soldier who died.
"This tragic loss will be felt right across the multi-national task force.""This tragic loss will be felt right across the multi-national task force."
British forces are taking part in a major military offensive against the Taleban in southern Afghanistan.British forces are taking part in a major military offensive against the Taleban in southern Afghanistan.
Up to 3,000 Nato troops, including Afghans and US forces, are involved in the British-led Operation Silicon in the Sangin Valley, Helmand province.Up to 3,000 Nato troops, including Afghans and US forces, are involved in the British-led Operation Silicon in the Sangin Valley, Helmand province.