A SOLDIER fighting with troops from East Anglia in one of the biggest operations against the Taliban has been killed, the MOD has confirmed.

Simon Tomlinson

A SOLDIER fighting with troops from East Anglia in one of the biggest operations against the Taliban has been killed, the MOD has confirmed.

Gordon Brown led tributes last night to the soldier, who was killed during the launch of Operation Moshtarak - the fiercest military offensive in Afghanistan since the conflict began.

Comrades said the soldier, from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed by an explosion while in a vehicle patrol during the first stages of the surge in the Nad-e-Ali district.

Troops from C (Essex) Company of the 1st battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment are currently attached the Grenadier Guards Battlegroup at the forefront of the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: “It happened this morning when a soldier from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed by an explosion in Nad-e-Ali District, Helmand Province.

“A British soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice doing his duty as part of this operation to clear the insurgents away from the people of Nad-e-Ali. His selfless commitment and courage will not be forgotten.”

Mr Brown said: “I want to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of one of our soldiers, very brave, very courageous, lost in this assault, making the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”