British soldier shot dead in Afghanistan

LONDON: A British army soldier was shot dead Thursday while on patrol in Afghanistan's troubled Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence said.

The member of the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, was part of a patrol which was attacked by insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of the southern province.

His death brought to 384 the number of British troops killed since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001. Of these, at least 338 were killed in combat. He is the 36th to die this year.

"The death of this brave soldier is a tragedy which has affected us all," said Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie.

"His loss will be deeply felt by his family, friends and loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time."

The soldier's next of kin had been informed.

Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, making it the second-largest contributor to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. They are based in central Helmand, battling Taliban insurgents and training local security forces. (AFP)