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UK soldier dies in Iraq bombing UK soldier dies in Iraq bombing
(10 minutes later)
A British soldier has been killed in a roadside bombing in Basra, southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said. A British soldier has been killed by a roadside bomb in Basra, southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The soldier, who was on a routine patrol, was killed in the explosion near the US consulate in the city at about 0930 local time (0630GMT).The soldier, who was on a routine patrol, was killed in the explosion near the US consulate in the city at about 0930 local time (0630GMT).
The bomb also wounded an unknown number of Iraqi civilians.The bomb also wounded an unknown number of Iraqi civilians.
The death brings the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 131. Some 7,500 British troops are currently based in Basra.The death brings the total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq to 131. Some 7,500 British troops are currently based in Basra.
"I can confirm that a British soldier has been killed after a roadside bomb attack," said the Army spokesman, who added that the explosion occurred near the city's main waterway."I can confirm that a British soldier has been killed after a roadside bomb attack," said the Army spokesman, who added that the explosion occurred near the city's main waterway.
He said the injured civilians had been taken to a nearby hospital.He said the injured civilians had been taken to a nearby hospital.
A number of armoured Warrior vehicles were taking part in the patrol when the bomb was detonated, although it is not clear whether the soldier was inside or outside a vehicle at the time.A number of armoured Warrior vehicles were taking part in the patrol when the bomb was detonated, although it is not clear whether the soldier was inside or outside a vehicle at the time.
'Thorough investigation''Thorough investigation'
The spokesman said it was too early to reveal the soldier's regiment or further details about the attack.The spokesman said it was too early to reveal the soldier's regiment or further details about the attack.
He said: "As with any such incident, it will be the subject of a thorough investigation."He said: "As with any such incident, it will be the subject of a thorough investigation."
BBC Baghdad correspondent Andrew North said: "Roadside bombs have been one of the most deadly threats the troops are facing down there and have claimed many lives.BBC Baghdad correspondent Andrew North said: "Roadside bombs have been one of the most deadly threats the troops are facing down there and have claimed many lives.
"One of the reasons they are using the Warriors is because of this higher threat from roadside bombs.""One of the reasons they are using the Warriors is because of this higher threat from roadside bombs."
Last month an 18-year-old British soldier was killed in the northern part of city after the patrol vehicle in which he was travelling was hit by a roadside bomb.Last month an 18-year-old British soldier was killed in the northern part of city after the patrol vehicle in which he was travelling was hit by a roadside bomb.
Private Michael Tench of A Company, 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry, was killed on 21 January.Private Michael Tench of A Company, 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry, was killed on 21 January.
Four soldiers were also injured in the attack, one "very seriously".Four soldiers were also injured in the attack, one "very seriously".