UK serviceman dies in Afghanistan

The MoD said he died on Monday morning. He was a member of 45 Commando Royal Marines, based in Arbroath, Scotland.

The marine was taking part in an attack on an insurgent base in the southern province, Nato said.

His name will not be released until relatives are told. The death takes the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 46.

Nato said several other soldiers were wounded during the attack when they were "engaged from several insurgent positions".

Second death

The commander of the UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, said: "Regrettably I must today report a further death. Sadly, one of our marines was killed during an important operation in southern Helmand.

"I know that this is a very difficult time for his family and his friends, but I do want to convey my sincere condolences and let them know that our thoughts are very much with them.

"Our marine was killed during a substantial pre-planned operation in the south of Helmand. His colleagues were able to display their courage and resolve in continuing their mission at a particularly challenging time."

It is the second British death in Afghanistan so far this year. Royal Marine Thomas Curry, 21, from east London, died on Saturday.

Of the 46 deaths in Afghanistan, 21 died from accidents, illness, or non-combat injuries, according to the MoD.

The death came during a day of violence in Afghanistan. A United Nations office in Kabul was the subject of a rocket attack and two Canadian peacekeepers in Kandahar were hit by a roadside bomb and injured.

On Saturday, Kingsman Alex Green, 21, from Warrington, was killed during a patrol in Basra, Iraq.

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