Afghanistan blast kills soldier

The soldier’s death is the first to have occurred in 2011

A soldier from 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, died on Saturday while on an operation in the district of Nahr-e Saraj in Helmand.

Some 349 British troops have been killed in operations in Afghanistan since 2001.

The soldier’s next of kin have been informed.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col David Eastman, said: “He was part of an operation aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the people of a former insurgent haven, and has made the ultimate sacrifice in seeking a better life for others.

“He will remain in our thoughts and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”

His death follows that of Warrant Officer Class 2 Charlie Wood.

WO Wood, from Middlesbrough, was serving with 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, when he was killed in an explosion on 28 December in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province.

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