British airman killed in Afghan blast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An airman taking part in a vehicle-mounted patrol in Afghanistan was killed following an explosion, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said today.
The airman, from 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, part of the Kandahar Airfield Defence Force, died as a result of his injuries. His family has been told.
The blast happened last night in an area north of Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar province.
Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that an airman from 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, part of the Kandahar Airfield Defence Regiment, was killed this evening as a result of an explosion.
"He was on a mobile patrol in an area about four kilometres north of Kandahar Airfield when the explosion happened.
"He died doing his duty and among his fellow airmen. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
The death takes the number of British service personnel killed in the conflict to 264.
The MoD said 231 had been killed as a result of hostile action.
A further 33 died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, although some have yet to be assigned an official cause of death, a spokesman said.
The latest death was not linked to Operation Moshtarak - a joint UK, US and Afghan assault on insurgent strongholds.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments