UK soldier dies in Afghanistan

A British soldier has died and two others have been wounded in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldiers, serving with the Parachute Regiment's 2nd Battalion, came under fire while on patrol.

The soldier who died was with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to the Parachute Regiment.

The injuries of the other two soldiers are not thought to be life threatening. All next of kin have been informed.

The soldier's death, on Tuesday night, takes the number of British military casualties in the country to 111.

Mine injuries

A statement issued by the MoD said that the soldiers were on "routine patrol" when they came under enemy fire at 1818 local time (1448 BST).

The statement continued: "Whilst returning fire one soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was injured by a mine.

"This soldier died honourably, helping bring security to Afghanistan"
Capt Mike Finney, International Security Assistance Force

"While leaving the scene after suppressing the enemy, a vehicle other soldiers were travelling in hit a suspected improvised explosive device.

"One soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was injured and one soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers sustained serious injuries.

"The soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, despite the best medical efforts at the scene, died a few minutes later.

"All casualties were extracted to Bastion medical facilities where they received medical care. Their injuries are not life threatening.

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

A spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, Captain Mike Finney, said: "Our hearts and minds are with the family and loved ones of this fine soldier who died.

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