08/07/2009

British Serviceman Killed In Afghan Blast

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

The serviceman, from the Light Dragoons, died in a blast near Gereshk in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, on Tuesday night.

The MoD said next of kin have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "This soldier gave his life for the security of his own country and the freedom of the Afghan people; there is no greater sacrifice than this.

"Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones."

The death brings the number of UK service personnel killed in the country to 176, and is the seventh in one week.

The soldier was part of Operation Panther’s Claw - a major assault against the Taliban.

See: British Soldier Dies In Afghan Helicopter Crash

See: Soldiers Killed In Anti-Taliban Offensives

(JM/BMcc)

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