Black Watch soldier killed in Afghanistan

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 10:44

A SOLDIER from the Black Watch has been killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was caught in the blast near Kandahar yesterday morning. Next of kin have been informed.

The soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device during a planned operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with great regret that we report the death of another soldier on Operation Herrick 10.

"It is an incredibly sad day for the whole of the Task Force but our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers of The Black Watch and particularly the bereaved friends and family of the soldier during this very sad time."

Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, said: "The death of this service member is mourned by all of us in ISAF, and I offer our sympathy to the soldier's family and friends.

"We will remember this life and priceless service in support of the Afghan people with great respect and gratitude."

The death takes the number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 167.

The fatality comes after US General David Petraeus said the number of attacks in Afghanistan had hit its highest level since December 2001.

Speaking in Washington, the head of US Central Command said: "There is no question the situation has deteriorated over the course of the past two years in particular and there are difficult times ahead."