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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan UK soldier killed in Afghanistan
(about 2 hours later)
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province during Monday afternoon.The soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province during Monday afternoon.
His next of kin have been informed of his death, which brings the number of UK soldiers killed in the conflict since 2001 to 244.His next of kin have been informed of his death, which brings the number of UK soldiers killed in the conflict since 2001 to 244.
A spokesman said: "His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."A spokesman said: "His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Of the 244 deaths since the war began, 107 have happened in 2009 alone.
During the Christmas period troops were given an extra hour of free phone calls home, on top of their normal 30 minutes' weekly allowance.
However, Christmas Day saw many troops in Afghanistan carrying out their usual front-line patrols.