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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan | UK soldier killed in Afghanistan |
(10 minutes later) | |
A British soldier has been killed and two others injured in an explosion in southern Afghanistan. | |
The deceased, who has not been named, was serving with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment. | |
The soldiers had been returning to base after a routine patrol at 0550 local time when an explosion struck their Vector vehicle. | |
The UK has 7,100 troops in Afghanistan, mainly concentrated in the southern province of Helmand. | |
'Deep sadness' | |
More than 60 military personnel have died since operations against the Taleban began in 2001. | |
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was "deep sadness" at the latest death. | |
Following the explosion, an emergency response helicopter was requested and the soldier was flown to a medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment, but he later died. | |
The injuries to the other personnel were described as "not life-threatening". | |
An MoD spokesman said: "The Vector vehicle could not be removed so it was destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands. The convoy continued to its destination. | |
"The next of kin have been informed and have requested a period of 24 hours' grace before further information is released." | |
The number of UK troops in Afghanistan is due to increase to about 7,700 this year. | |
Last week, the UK ambassador to the country, Sir Sherard Cowper-Cole, said forces would need to remain for decades to help rebuilding efforts. |