Commando shot dead on patrol in Sangin – the fourth killed in Afghanistan in four days
A Royal Marine was killed in Afghanistan today, the fourth commando to die in four days.
The Ministry of Defence said the marine was on patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan when he was shot thismorning. His family has been told.
Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "He was on a security patrol, helping to better the lives of ordinary Afghans, when he was killed by small arms fire from insurgent forces. His courage in the face of danger and his selfless commitment will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We will remember him".
The number of British dead since the conflict began in 2001 now stands at 303.
Family and colleagues today paid tribute to Paul Warren, a Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Monday.
The 23-year-old from Leyland, Lancashire, was one of three servicemen from 40 Commando Royal Marines to die in three days, all in Helmand. He was caught in an explosion during a patrol in Sangin and died from his injuries. His family said in a statement that he was "a loving son, a brother and grandson who made us proud as a family. His cheeky smile will be missed by all who knew him".
Warren, who was born in Preston, joined the Royal Marines in 2006. He served with 45 Commando in Afghanistan in 2008-9 and was deployed again in March as part of Charlie company.
The MoD said Charlie company was responsible for security around patrol base Airport Lounge and had conducted dozens of patrols in support of the local population. The company completed numerous joint clearance operations with Afghan national security forces and uncovered many improvised explosive devices, making the area safer for local people.
