UK: A soldier was killed in a blast in Afghanistan today, the Ministry of Defence said.
The serviceman from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was working alongside an Afghan security forces’ patrol when he was struck by an explosion from an improvised explosive device (IED).
His next of kin have been informed.
The soldier was serving with the Brigade Advisory Group in the Mirmandab region of Nahr-e Saraj in Helmand Province.
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie from Task Force Helmand said: “Sadly, I must report that a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, was killed in an explosion from an improvised explosive device while working alongside an Afghan security forces’ patrol to disrupt insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone serving in the Task Force are with his family and friends.”
The death has taken the British armed forces’ total number of deaths since operations began in Afghanistan to 405.
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