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UK soldier killed in Afghanistan UK soldier killed in Afghanistan
(about 5 hours later)
A British soldier has been killed and two others injured in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.A British soldier has been killed and two others injured in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
The deceased, who has not been named, was serving with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment. The deceased, who has not been named, was serving with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment. His next of kin have been informed.
The soldiers had been returning to base after a routine patrol at 0550 local time when an explosion struck their Vector vehicle. The soldiers had been returning to base after a routine patrol when an explosion struck their Vector vehicle.
The UK has 7,100 troops in Afghanistan, mainly concentrated in the southern province of Helmand.The UK has 7,100 troops in Afghanistan, mainly concentrated in the southern province of Helmand.
'Deep sadness''Deep sadness'
More than 60 military personnel have died since operations against the Taleban began in 2001.More than 60 military personnel have died since operations against the Taleban began in 2001.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was "deep sadness" at the latest death.A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was "deep sadness" at the latest death.
Following the explosion, the soldier was flown by helicopter to Camp Bastion for treatment, but he later died.Following the explosion, the soldier was flown by helicopter to Camp Bastion for treatment, but he later died.
The injuries to the other personnel were described as "not life-threatening".The injuries to the other personnel were described as "not life-threatening".
An MoD spokesman said: "The Vector vehicle could not be removed so it was destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands. The convoy continued to its destination.An MoD spokesman said: "The Vector vehicle could not be removed so it was destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands. The convoy continued to its destination.
"The next of kin have been informed and have requested a period of 24 hours' grace before further information is released.""The next of kin have been informed and have requested a period of 24 hours' grace before further information is released."
Separately, the government has also revealed that an RAF Hercules plane was destroyed after it hit an anti-tank mine at Lashkar Gar Tactical Landing Zone in May last year.Separately, the government has also revealed that an RAF Hercules plane was destroyed after it hit an anti-tank mine at Lashkar Gar Tactical Landing Zone in May last year.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth told MPs that the RAF Board Of Inquiry concluded that explosion-suppressant foam would not have stopped the fire.Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth told MPs that the RAF Board Of Inquiry concluded that explosion-suppressant foam would not have stopped the fire.
'Uncontrollable fire''Uncontrollable fire'
The nine crew and 26 passengers were safely evacuated with no serious injuries.The nine crew and 26 passengers were safely evacuated with no serious injuries.
In a written ministerial statement, Mr Ainsworth said: "On landing, the aircraft suffered significant damage to the front port main landing gear, resulting in debris puncturing the port wing fuel tanks, which in turn caused an uncontrollable wing fire leading to the loss of the aircraft."In a written ministerial statement, Mr Ainsworth said: "On landing, the aircraft suffered significant damage to the front port main landing gear, resulting in debris puncturing the port wing fuel tanks, which in turn caused an uncontrollable wing fire leading to the loss of the aircraft."
Mr Ainsworth said the main recommendation from the board was that force protection procedures be reviewed.Mr Ainsworth said the main recommendation from the board was that force protection procedures be reviewed.
He added that new tactics were being used in operational theatres in Iraq and Afghanistan.He added that new tactics were being used in operational theatres in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The number of UK troops in Afghanistan is due to increase to about 7,700 this year.The number of UK troops in Afghanistan is due to increase to about 7,700 this year.
Last week, the UK ambassador to the country, Sir Sherard Cowper-Cole, said forces would need to remain for decades to help rebuilding efforts.Last week, the UK ambassador to the country, Sir Sherard Cowper-Cole, said forces would need to remain for decades to help rebuilding efforts.