Soldier from 3 PARA killed in Afghanistan

Soldier from 3 PARA killed in Afghanistan

6 Dec 10

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 5 December 2010.

The soldier died as a result of his wounds after being shot whilst patrolling in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. At the time of his death he was taking part in an operation to find and disrupt insurgent elements.

On Monday 6 December a MOD spokesman said:

"Further to the announcement of the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in Nad 'Ali yesterday, initial reports suggest that the death was caused as a result of a friendly fire incident.

"The incident will be the subject of a full investigation; however first reports indicate that an attack on an insurgent position by a US aircraft, requested by and agreed with British forces on the ground, may have been the cause. The investigation is ongoing and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said yesterday:

"Regrettably I must announce the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment this afternoon. The soldier was part of an operation aiming to increase security in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province when he was shot and subsequently died of his wounds.

"He has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Nad 'Ali from insurgent intimidation and defending his country from the threat of terrorism; no more could be asked of any soldier. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

ENDS

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