Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Solider killed in Afghanistan blast

 

Tim Moynihan
Saturday 31 December 2011 07:42 EST
Comments

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.

A soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The serviceman, from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in a blast in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province yesterday.

Next of kin have been informed.

The MoD said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce the death of a soldier from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment on 30th December 2011 in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

"Serving as a part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North), the soldier was a member of an International Security Assistance Force foot patrol when he was caught in the blast from an improvised explosive device."

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dan Bradbury said: "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that a soldier from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province yesterday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."

The soldier's family have asked for a 24-hour period of grace until more details are released.

A total of 394 British troops have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in