UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

November 16, 2008

The death takes the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 125

A British soldier has been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion the Royal Ghurkha Rifles, was killed when his patrol was hit with an improvised explosive device on Saturday.

Next of kin have been informed, an MoD spokesperson added.

His death in Musa Qala District, Helmand province, takes the number of UK forces killed in Afghanistan since operations began to 125.

‘Heartfelt sympathies’

The soldier had been taking part in a routine road move when his vehicle was hit, the MoD said.

Cdr Paula Rowe said: “Everyone in Task Force Helmand is saddened by the death of this soldier.

“While there are no words to ease their loss, our heartfelt sympathies go to his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this difficult time.”

Brig Gen Richard Blanchette, of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), also extended his condolences to the soldier’s family.

He said: “We have lost a valuable member of our team and this loss will be felt across ISAF.”

The soldier’s death is the second from the battalion in just over two weeks.

Yubraj Rai, 28, was killed on 4 November when his patrol was attacked, also in Musa Qala.