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British Royal Marine killed in Afghan blast

  • Story Highlights
  • Royal Marine was killed by a roadside bomb detonation
  • Explosion occurred during a foot patrol in Helmand province
  • Death brings total of British troops killed to 208
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KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A British Royal Marine was killed Saturday by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan, Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Marine, whose name was not given, died in the blast while on foot patrol near Gereshk in Helmand province early Saturday morning, the statement said.

The Royal Marine's family has been notified of his death, the ministry said, but asked that no further information be released.

"This Marine gave his life for his country and the freedom of the Afghan people," said Lt. Col. Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, in the statement. "There is no greater sacrifice than this."

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, which includes British troops, was formed under a mandate by the United Nations to support reconstruction in Afghanistan. It is made up of about 50,000 troops from 42 countries.

The British have approximately 8,300 troops deployed in Afghanistan, mostly in Helmand province.

According to the Ministry of Defence, 208 British personnel have died while serving in Afghanistan. Of those, 177 are listed as killed in action.

All About AfghanistanAfghanistan WarUnited KingdomNATO

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