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Soldiers

British Soldier Killed in Iraq Raid

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A British soldier has died in a raid in the southern city of Basra, Iraq, bringing the total number of British service personnel killed in the country to 114 since the start of hostilities. The soldier was killed during an early morning operation to apprehend suspected terrorists, with two men being taken into custody. The death marks the first fatality since May 28, when two soldiers from the Queen's Dragoon Guards were killed by a roadside bomb.

Key Takeaways:

  • A British soldier has died in a raid in Basra, Iraq, bringing the total number of British service personnel killed in the country to 114.
  • The soldier was killed during an operation to seize suspected terrorists, with two men being taken into custody.
  • The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the soldier was serving with the 1st Battalion Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.
  • The regiment recruits mainly from Devon and Dorset and is based in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
  • The death marks the first fatality since May 28, when two soldiers from the Queen's Dragoon Guards were killed by a roadside bomb.
  • There are now around 7,200 British troops serving in Iraq, mainly in the south of the country.
  • The death is a significant blow to the British military, with Defence Secretary Des Browne describing it as "terribly sad news".
  • The soldiers were hit by small arms fire during the operation in the north of the city supported by helicopters and armoured Warrior vehicles.
  • The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the British hospital at Shaibah logistics base, where one of them died.

Statistics:

  • 114 British service personnel killed in Iraq since the start of hostilities.
  • 7,200 British troops serving in Iraq, mainly in the south of the country.
  • 2 soldiers injured in the incident.
  • 1 soldier died during the hospital treatment.
  • 200 men of the Queen's Dragoon Guards departing from Camp Smitty in Muthanna.
  • The 1st Battalion Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry is based in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Defence statement.
  • Defence Secretary Des Browne's comment.
  • BBC News report.
  • Sky News report.

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