UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

The soldier was on foot patrol when the explosion occurred

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The soldier, from 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was killed in Babaji district of central Helmand province, on Thursday morning.

It happened while he was on patrol near the newly built Walizi base.

The number of British military personnel killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 now stands at 279. Next of kin have been informed.

Most recent UK fatalities

Total deaths 2011: 32

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Updated: Dec 18 2011

Full list

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lt Col David Wakefield said: "The patrol was part of the ongoing operations by the Coldstream Guards Battle Group in that area to bring security to local people.

"His loss is a bitter blow, keenly felt by all of us - but his selfless commitment and unremitting courage in the face of danger will not be forgotten."

On Saturday, Rifleman Daniel Holkham, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed in an explosion.

The 19-year-old, from Chatham, Kent, was on patrol when the blast hit a market 1km (0.6 miles) east of Sangin, in Helmand province.