Soldier killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier died after his patrol came under a bomb attack in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion the Royal Ghurkha Rifles, was killed after the explosion yesterday in the Musa Qala District of Helmand Province. Next of kin have been informed.

His death brings the number of British services personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began to 125.

The MoD said the soldier was taking part in a routine road move when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an explosive device.

Commander Paula Rowe of Task Force Helmand said: "Everyone in Task Force Helmand is saddened by the death of this soldier.

"While there are no words to ease their loss, our heartfelt sympathies go to his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this difficult time."

His death is the second from the battalion in just over a fortnight.

Yubraj Rai, 28, died on November 4 when a patrol came under attack, also in the Musa Qala area of the country.

Last week two Royal Marines were also killed in Afghanistan, taking the British military toll in Afghanistan and Iraq to 300 before today's announcement.

The latest fatalities come amid speculation the Government is preparing to send more troops to Afghanistan.