A SOLDIER from the 1st Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on Monday, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The soldier, who was part of a regiment based at Beachley Barracks, Chepstow, was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a patrol in the Sayedabad Kalay area of the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district of Helmand province.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said: "It is with much regret that I have to inform you of the death of a soldier from 1st Battalion The Rifles in the Sayedabad Kalay area of Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province.
"The soldier was part of a foot patrol which had been deployed to meet and talk to the local people. The patrol had left their base and was moving to rendezvous with another patrol when the soldier was fatally struck by an improvised explosive device.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
The soldier's next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article