British soldier killed in Basra
Four to five others injured, says UK Ministry of Defence
LONDON, England (CNN) -- A British soldier has been killed during a gun battle with insurgents in Iraq's southern city of Basra, according to a spokesman from the British Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said initial reports suggested that another four to five British soldiers had been injured in "other incidents and fighting taking place at the same time."
The spokesman said British military had sent a number of armored vehicles to the area "in an attempt to bring the incidents under control," but at the latest report the situation was still considered to be "ongoing."
"We're trying to maintain a non-escalatory posture, however, we will use appropriate force where necessary in self-defense," the spokesman said.
The British military death toll since the start of the Iraq war is now 62.
CNN Producer Eden Pontz contributed to this report
