Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan

Royal Marine has been killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced today. He is the 314th member of UK forces killed in the country since the start of operations in 2001.



The marine, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died yesterday in the remote and dangerous Sangin area of Helmand province, where 101 of the military fatalities have taken place.
Earlier this week the defence secretary, Liam Fox, announced that British troops are to pull out of Sangin and be replaced by US forces.
A spokesman for British troops in the country, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said the marine was on a foot patrol with fellow marines and Afghan soldiers when they were hit by an explosion.
Carr-Smith added: "He died a marine, in the course of his duty and whilst improving the lives of local nationals in Sangin. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."
The marine's family have been informed, but his name has not yet been released.