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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan UK soldier killed in Afghanistan
(20 minutes later)
A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, taking the total number killed there this year to 100.A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, taking the total number killed there this year to 100.
The soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment died as a result of small arms fire in central Helmand Province on Monday.The soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment died as a result of small arms fire in central Helmand Province on Monday.
The total number of UK troops killed since the start of operations in Afghanistan in October 2001 has now reached 237.The total number of UK troops killed since the start of operations in Afghanistan in October 2001 has now reached 237.
The Ministry of Defence says next of kin have been informed.The Ministry of Defence says next of kin have been informed.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said every loss in Afghanistan was "a real and personal tragedy".Prime Minister Gordon Brown said every loss in Afghanistan was "a real and personal tragedy".
"Today we mourn together the 100th British fatality in Afghanistan in 2009," he said."Today we mourn together the 100th British fatality in Afghanistan in 2009," he said.
Our people face a difficult and dangerous task in Afghanistan, and 2009 has been a particularly challenging year Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup What has been achieved? PM statement in fullOur people face a difficult and dangerous task in Afghanistan, and 2009 has been a particularly challenging year Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup What has been achieved? PM statement in full
"My thoughts, and the entire nation's, are with the families and friends of every one of those brave men who have died this year; indeed, with every one of our service personnel who have lost their lives serving our country in Afghanistan since 2001.""My thoughts, and the entire nation's, are with the families and friends of every one of those brave men who have died this year; indeed, with every one of our service personnel who have lost their lives serving our country in Afghanistan since 2001."
He said British troops were in Afghanistan to prevent al-Qaeda "using the country as a base from which to plot terrorist attacks against Britain". 2009 has been the bloodiest year yet in Britain's eight-year engagement in Afghanistan.
"I thank all our brave men and women for their commitment and courage," he added. The vast majority of British casualties have come from improvised explosive devices, the Taliban's weapon of choice.
"We will never forget those who have died fighting for our country and we must also honour their memory. That means staying the course, doing what is right for Britain, and seeing this mission through." Over the summer, Operation Panther's Claw claimed 10 lives as British forces drove insurgents out of key territory in Helmand ahead of the Afghan presidential election.
'Real difference' The prime minister has recently announced that 500 more troops will be going to Afghanistan, taking the total UK deployment to more than 10,000.
US President Barack Obama announced he would sending 30,000 extra US troops but stressed America would begin to withdraw its military by 2011.
'Hardened our determination'
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said every death was "a sad loss".Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said every death was "a sad loss".
"Our people face a difficult and dangerous task in Afghanistan, and 2009 has been a particularly challenging year," he said."Our people face a difficult and dangerous task in Afghanistan, and 2009 has been a particularly challenging year," he said.
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"We remember those who have given their lives, the bereaved families and friends who are left behind, and all those who have been injured. "We remember those who have given their lives, the bereaved families and friends who are left behind, and all those who have been injured."
"We also remember, though, what they have achieved through their sacrifice this year. There is still much to do, and there will be difficult days ahead, but our armed forces are making a real difference, and are building the basis for enduring success in Afghanistan." He said the armed forces were "making a real difference, and are building the basis for enduring success in Afghanistan".
The 100th soldier to die this year was shot in the Nad-e Ali area in the southern province of Helmand. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the UK presence in Afghanistan was "vital".
"Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col David Wakefield, said: "It is with great sadness I must confirm that a soldier from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment was shot and killed in Helmand province this afternoon." "In taking the fight to the insurgents, providing security and hope for the Afghan people and building up their own security forces in ever greater numbers, we will create a stable country that will be able to stand on its own two feet."
Gen Sir David Richards, Chief of the General Staff, said the milestone death had hardened "our determination to succeed".
The 100th soldier to die this year was shot in the Nad-e Ali area of Helmand.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col David Wakefield, said: "It is with great sadness I must confirm that a soldier from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment was shot and killed in Helmand province this afternoon.
"He was one of us, one of our fellow soldiers, and we will remember him.""He was one of us, one of our fellow soldiers, and we will remember him."