LOC18:50
15:50 GMT
LONDON, May 26 (KUNA) -- A soldier from the British fourth Regiment Royal
Artillery died during clashes with insurgents in Afghanistan Helmand province,
the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement said, "It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must
announce that a soldier from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, serving as part of
Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), was killed in Helmand today, Wednesday 26
May 2010."
"The soldier died from a gunshot wound sustained during a small arms fire
engagement with insurgent forces in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand this
morning," the statement added.
The statement said the solider was conducting a joint foot patrol with the
Afghan National Army, in order to reassure the local population following
insurgent intimidation, when the incident took place.
"Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before
further details are released," the statement noted.
Since the start of the Afghan war in October 2001, British forces lost
around 252 soldiers in combat operations against insurgents.
British forces stationed in Afghanistan estimated to be around 9500
soldiers. (end)
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KUNA 261850 May 10NNNN