11:01am UK, Sunday January 02, 2011
A British soldier has been killed after being caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Some 349 UK military personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001
The serviceman, from The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died near the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on Saturday.
He was part of an operation to stop the advance of enemy fighters at the time of the bomb blast.
The soldier's family has been told of the death.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "The soldier was working in an area to the south of the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province, when he was caught in an explosion.
"He was part of an operation aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the people of a former insurgent haven.
"He has made the ultimate sacrifice in seeking a better life for others. He will remain in our thoughts and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."
The latest death means 308 British service personnel have been killed in action in Afghanistan since operations began there in 2001.
The total number of deaths including accidents and illness is 349.
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