Fatal Incident in Afghanistan: Royal Marine Dies in Suicide Bomb Attack

Strategic Insights -

A Royal Marine has died and a second marine is seriously injured after a suicide bomber attacked their Land Rover in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. The attack on a two-vehicle convoy near the capital city, Lashkar Gah, resulted in the death of a marine and the injury of another. Two children were also killed in the blast, and seven civilians were wounded. The incident marks the first fatal incident involving the commando brigade, which has just taken over from the paratroopers in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on a two-vehicle convoy leaving a police station in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, with a suicide bomber attacking on foot.
  • The Royal Marine, whose name has not been released, died of severe injuries after being airlifted to hospital, receiving the "best possible medical attention".
  • A second marine was seriously injured in the attack and is being treated at the British field hospital at Camp Bastion.
  • The Ministry of Defence stated that new armoured vehicles providing greater protection than Snatch Land Rovers will be provided to British soldiers in southern Afghanistan next year.
  • Next month, marines in Afghanistan will be equipped with German-built long-range automatic grenade launchers, capable of firing 340 high-explosive rounds a minute at a range of 2,000 metres, mounted on adapted Land Rovers.
  • Nato's secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, stated that there is "no military solution for Afghanistan" and that security alone is not enough; Afghans also want a job, reconstruction, and development.
  • Nato forces face "stiff resistance" in the south, and General David Richards, Nato's commander in Afghanistan, had requested more troops and warned that the country was at a "tipping point".
  • Brigadier Jerry Thomas expressed his sympathy for the families and friends of those killed and injured in the attack, stating that his troops are performing their jobs with "admirable courage and professionalism".

Statistics:

  • 18 British troops have died as a result of enemy action in Afghanistan since June.
  • The new armoured vehicles will provide protection against rifle fire.
  • The German-built long-range automatic grenade launchers will cost £4.3m and be capable of firing 340 high-explosive rounds a minute at a range of 2,000 metres.
  • Lashkar Gah has been relatively safe, with most of the enemy action in the region occurring in outlying areas to the north of Helmand province.

Sources:

  • The Royal Marine's death: guardian.co.uk/military
  • Ministry of Defence statement: guardian.co.uk/military
  • Nato's secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer: guardian.co.uk/military
  • General David Richards' comments: guardian.co.uk/military
  • Brigadier Jerry Thomas' statement: guardian.co.uk/military