British troops in Afghanistan generic
A UK soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment has died in a shooting incident at an allied base in Afghanistan following the death of a soldier at another base. Neither death is thought to as a result of hostile action and full investigations are underway. Their families have been informed.
The Ministry of Defence said one serviceman, who was attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, died at Forward Operating Base Shawqat, Helmand Province.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Major Laurence Roche, said: “I am very sorry to report the death of a soldier serving with 21 Engineer Regiment who was involved in a shooting incident at Forward Operating Base Shawqat this morning.
“This is a tragic day for everyone serving with Task Force Helmand in Afghanistan as we mourn this sad loss of life. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends during their time of grief and loss.”
Earlier another UK soldier, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), died at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. His death was also not thought to have been the result of hostile action.
Spokesman for Joint Force Support, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Parry, said: “It is with deep sadness that I must report the death of a soldier from 4 Close Support Battalion, REME at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province.
“The condolences of all personnel serving with Joint Force Support Afghanistan are with the soldier’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
The deaths brings the total number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 432.
-Sky News