British soldier killed in Afghanistan explosion

A Royal Marine was killed by a roadside explosion in southern Afghanistan last night, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today. The serviceman from 40 Commando Marines, who was serving with the Combined Forces Sangin, died while on a foot patrol in Helmand province. His next of kin have been informed, but have asked for his name not to be released yet. Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, a spokesman for the task force, said: "He was conducting a foot patrol in order to further develop the understanding of the local area when he was struck by an explosion. "His bravery and selfless commitment will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed." The soldier's death brings the number of British forces personnel and MoD civilians who have died in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001 to 289, 255 of them killed as a result of enemy action.