British solider killed in Afghanistan explosion

A British soldier was killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan today, the Ministry of Defence has announced . The soldier, who has not yet been named, was from 3rd Battalion the Rifles. His next of kin have been informed. Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, a spokesman for British forces in Afghanistan, said the soldier died when his foot patrol was hit by an improvised explosive device while crossing a bridge in Sangin, Helmand province. "His bravery and selfless commitment to his comrades and to this fight will not be forgotten," Wakefield said. He added that the incident was not connected to Operation Moshtarak, a major push in the south of Helmand also involving US and Afghan troops. The death brings the number of British forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died while serving in Afghanistan to 276 since the start of operations in 2001.