Soldier shot dead in Afghanistan

A British soldier has been shot dead while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said
12 April 2012

A British soldier has been shot dead while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed by enemy fire in Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand Province. His family have been told.

Spokesman for Camp Bastion, Wing Commander Martin Tinworth, said: "I must, with great sadness, report the loss of a soldier from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

"The soldier was patrolling the area in the north of Nahr-e Saraj when he was hit by enemy gun fire.

"He has given his life in the service of his country whilst engaged in protecting the local population. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this deeply sad time."

Some 358 UK military personnel have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

The Veterinary Corps work with military animals throughout Afghanistan. They typically work with bomb disposal dogs but also help to maintain the military working dog unit.

Soldiers in the Veterinary Corps also advise local Afghans on veterinary care for their domestic animals and pets.

A source said it was not unusual for Veterinary Corps soldiers to go out on foot patrol in the region they were based in. Not all members of the Corps are vets.

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