British marine killed in southern Afghanistan

An explosion has killed a British marine in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said Monday.

The marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed on Sunday evening while on patrol in Helmand province, where most of the 9,500 British troops deployed in Afghanistan are battling Taliban militants.

“It is with sadness I must inform you that a marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed last night in an explosion near Sangin in northern Helmand,” said military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith.

“He was conducting a foot patrol in order to further develop the understanding of the local area when he was struck by an explosion. His bravery and selfless commitment will not be forgotten.”

The marine becomes the 289th British soldier to die during operations in Afghanistan since 2001, and the eighth to die in May.