MoD to name soldier killed in explosion

A British soldier killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan was due to be named by the Ministry of Defence today.

The soldier, from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, died instantly in the blast north-east of Gereshk in Helmand province yesterday.

The MoD said the cause of the explosion was being investigated.

A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Squadron Leader Wayne Palmer, said: "The loss of a Guardsman, and a colleague, has come as a huge blow to us all. But it is the family, friends and loved ones, as well as the men and women who served alongside him, who feel the greatest pain and we offer them our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers."

An MoD spokeswoman said: "The soldier was taking part in a reassurance foot patrol alongside the Afghan National Army in the vicinity of Forward Operating Base Keenan.

"Despite the very best efforts of his colleagues around him, he was killed instantly as a result of an explosion."

The number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since operations began has now reached 153.