British soldier killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier was killed while on foot patrol in Afghanistan on Saturday, bringing the total number of British service personnel killed in the country to 150.
The soldier from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Regiment was injured in an explosion in Musa Qala District Centre, Northern Helmand, said the Ministry of Defence.
Medics battled to save him but he died at the scene. His death brings the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 150.Commander Paula Rowe, spokesman for British troops in Afghanistan said: "Task Force Helmand feels the loss of every serviceman and we mourn the death of this brave soldier."We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at home and all those who served alongside him at this desperately sad time."The soldier's next of kin have been informed but there will now be a 24-hour grace period before he is officially identified, the Ministry of Defence said.Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force said: "We are saddened by this brave soldier's death, and offer our heartfelt condolences to the soldier's family and friends."Through our grief, we are strengthened in our resolve to help bring security and stability to Afghanistan."The news of the soldier's death came as the Ministry of Defence described how a Royal marine had foiled a roadside bomb plot in Afghanistan single-handedly.While on guard duty, the Royal Marine Commando from 45 Commando spotted three men digging on a track near a British army base in Sangin, northern Helmand. The marine used a shoulder-launched missile to kill the three men and destroy the device.