British Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier was killed today by a bomb explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan.The soldier, who has not been named, was on patrol in Sangin district in Helmand province, the Ministry of defense said. His next of kin have been informed.

Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, a spokesman for the Nato-led international security assistance force (Isaf), said: "I offer our condolences to the families and friends of our fallen soldier. This soldier died honorably, helping bring security to Afghanistan."

He is the 116th soldier to have died in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in October 2001.

The soldier, who is expected to be named tomorrow, was from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment and was killed while on a routine foot patrol this morning. He died of his wounds despite being given first aid at the scene.

A statement from the MoD said: "It is with deep regret that the Ministry of defense must confirm that a soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment has been killed today, Thursday September 4, 2008, in southern Afghanistan. Early this morning whilst conducting a routine foot patrol near Sangin district center a soldier was involved in an explosion which is believed to be caused by an improvised explosive device."

Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds, spokesman for British Forces in Afghanistan, said: "This is a tragic loss and one that will be felt across the task force. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the friends and family at this most difficult time."

Three Canadian soldiers, who have not yet been named, were killed yesterday, also in Sangin, after their patrol came under attack. The latest casualties are the latest in a string of violent incidents in Sangin in the southern province of Helmand, where heavy fighting has been taking place.

A civilian was shot and wounded by troops near a British base in Sangin after he failed to heed a warning and ran towards a patrol. The soldiers opened fire because they thought he was a suicide bomber, but he turned out to be a civilian who posed no threat.

Last month, a rocket attack by British forces killed three Afghan civilians in the area. The three victims, believed to be a woman and two children, died when the building they were inside was hit by rockets on August 16.

Isaf said British forces launched three rockets as insurgents were about to open fire from the building's roof, and were not aware of civilians inside. The MoD is investigating the incident.