A British soldier was killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan while on foot patrol Sunday, but his death was not part of a major assault by international forces, defence officials said. The soldier, from 6 Rifles serving with the 3 Rifles Battle Group, died after being hit by the blast in the north-east of Sangin in Helmand Province, the Ministry of Defence said.
His death brings the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 259 since the 2001 invasion. "His boldness and commitment in the face of danger day on day will not be forgotten," said military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield. Next of kin have been informed, said officials.
The majority of British deaths have been caused by roadside bombs planted by the Taliban. Authorities stressed the soldier's death Sunday was not part of Operation Mushtarak, a major Nato offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan which got under way the previous day.
More than 1,000 British troops are taking part in the assault designed to return the Taliban-held town of Marjah and surrounding areas to the control of the Afghan government. A total of 15,000 US, Nato and Afghan forces are involved in the operation, the biggest assault in Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted.
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