UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

British soldiers training in Afghanistan

A British soldier died when he was shot during fighting in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, had been on a joint foot patrol with Afghan National Army personnel near Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand.

The operation was to reassure the local population after a spate of insurgent aggression. His family have been told.

His death brings the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 287.

Task Force Helmand spokesman, Lt Col James Carr-Smith, said the soldier was part of 1 Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group.

"He died doing his duty, alongside his mates, whilst seeking to reassure the local population and counter insurgent intimidation," he said.

"He will be greatly missed and we will always remember him."

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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