British soldier dies in Afghanistan

Published: Wednesday, 23 July 2008, 12:14PM

A British soldier has been killed after coming under enemy fire in southern Afghanistan.

The soldier was serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.

He died when the vehicle he was travelling in hit an explosive device after a skirmish with Taliban fighters.

Two other soldiers from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment were injured in the same incident, one in a landmine blast during an exchange with the enemy.

The fatality occurred after the skirmish when the soldiers were leaving the area and their vehicle was hit by a second explosion.

The soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers died at the scene.

The soldiers' next of kin have been informed and have requested a 24-hour period of grace before further details are released.

International Security Assistance Force spokesman Captain Mike Finney said: "Our hearts and minds are with the family and loved ones of this fine soldier.

"This soldier died honourably, helping bring security to Afghanistan."

The death announced today by the Ministry of Defence is the first British fatality in the country this month.

A total of 13 died last month, the worst loss of life for British troops since September 2006 when 19 servicemen died - 14 when a Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed.

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