UK soldier dies in Afghan blast

The British army has been on operation in Afghanistan since 2001

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment, was caught in the blast while on operation near Kandahar on Thursday.

Lt Col Nick Richardson said all thoughts were with the soldier's family, who had been informed.

The death brings the total number of British troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 167.

It follows that of Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher, with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who died following an explosion near Gereshk in Helmand province on 2 June.

The 19-year-old, from Reading, Berkshire, was killed while on patrol.

After the latest death, Lt Col Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "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."

Brig Gen Richard Blanchette, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, added: "We will remember this life and priceless service in support of the Afghan people with great respect and gratitude."

Condolences were offered by politicians from the Perth area, which has strong links to the regiment.

Peter Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: "This is very sad news, a second Black Watch soldier killed in just over a month.

"This loss will be felt very deeply throughout Perthshire."

Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish Environment Minister and SNP MSP for Perth, said: "My prayers are with all those who are grieving today and with the families of other members of the Black Watch serving in Afghanistan."

'Difficult times'

US regional commander Gen David Petraeus has said that insurgent attacks in Afghanistan are at their highest level since 2001.

Last week saw more than 400 attacks, eight times the rate of January 2004.

Speaking in Washington, Gen Petraeus said there would be more clashes as the international presence in Afghanistan increased.

"Some of this will go up because we are going to go after their sanctuaries and safe havens as we must," he said.

"But there is no question the situation has deteriorated over the course of the past two years in particular and there are difficult times ahead."

The incoming US general in charge of troops in Afghanistan has said his priority will be to review all Nato operations in a bid to reduce civilian casualties.

Gen Stanley McChrystal said the population needed protection from the enemy, but also "from the unintended consequences of our operation".