Dorset-based soldier killed in Afghanistan
by Carrie Garrad
A Dorset-based soldier has been killed alongside two comrades in Afghanistan by a man wearing an Afghan Police Uniform. The Ministry of Defence confirmed three soldiers were shot and wounded while mentoring policemen in Afghanistan yesterday (Sunday July1st). They died later.
The soldier from the Royal Corps of Signals based at Blandford Camp was attacked alongside two soldiers from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at a check point in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand Province.
– Major Andrew Cox, the Chief of Staff for Taskforce HelmandIt is with deep regret that I must inform you that three soldiers, two serving with the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and one serving with the Royal Corps of Signals, have been killed in an incident at Checkpoint Kamparack Pul in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province.
Major Andrew Cox, the Chief of Staff for Taskforce Helmand, said the soldiers were part of a Police Advisory Team visiting the checkpoint in order to conduct a shura - the Arabic word for a consultation -and training. As they were leaving they were engaged in small arms fire. In the exchange of fire the three soldiers were wounded, and later died oftheir injuries. The gunman was detained.
– Major Andrew Cox, the Chief of Staff for Taskforce HelmandTheir loss will be felt deeply across Task Force Helmand. However, this will be nothing compared to the grief experienced by the soldiers' families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time.
The soldiers' families have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.
