Soldier from 3 Rifles killed in Afghanistan
22 Dec 09
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a soldier from the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday, Monday 21 December 2009.
Ministry of Defence
The soldier died from wounds sustained during a fire-fight in the vicinity of Patrol Base Almas, near Sangin, central Helmand Province, yesterday evening.
Initial reports suggest that this death may have resulted from a friendly fire incident. The incident is now subject to a Royal Military Police investigation but no firm conclusion will be reached until after the Coroner’s Inquest. The MOD will not release any further information on this until the Coroner’s inquest concludes in due course.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said:
"It is with deep sadness I must inform you that a British soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles passed away early this afternoon as a result of wounds sustained during a fire-fight last night near Sangin, Helmand Province. His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released