UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

The soldier from the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) died in the blast from an improvised explosive device in the Jamal Kowi area of the Nahr-e Saraj district of central Helmand. Next of kin have been informed.

The soldier, serving as a part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), was a member of a joint foot patrol with Afghan National Security Forces.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie said: “It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the death of a soldier from the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment earlier today after an explosion in the Jamal Kowi area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand Province.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to his family at this very difficult time and all of our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The death takes the number of British troops who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 389.

Two soldiers from 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards were killed in an explosion on Thursday and another from 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment died the previous day.