12/08/2004

British soldier dies in Basrah clashes

A second British soldier has been killed in southern Iraqi this week, the MoD has confirmed.

The soldier was killed and another seriously injured by an improvised explosive device attack in Basrah today.

The families of the pair are being informed and further details will be withheld until close relatives have been notified, the MoD announced today.

Sixty-three British soldiers have now been killed in Iraq since the start of hostilities in March last year.

Private Lee Martin O'Callaghan, 20, from London, was killed during violent clashes in Basrah on Monday. He was unmarried, and was serving with the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment.

Following the death of Pte O'Callaghan, the MoD said: "Whilst the troops continue to maintain a non-escalatory posture, they will use appropriate force where necessary in self-defence."

There have been a number of serious clashes in the city between British troops and insurgents loyal to the cleric Moqtada al Sadr in recent days. Within the past two days, UK troops have killed at least 10 militants in operations in the southern city of Amara.

(gmcg)

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