(KUNA) -- A British Royal Marine has been killed in Afghanistan after coming under attack from Taliban forces, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Tuesday. The marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines was hit by small arms fire whilst on operations in Helmand Province, an MoD spokesman said. An emergency quick reaction helicopter along with a full medical team evacuated him to the hospital at Camp Bastion, where he was pronounced dead. No other servicemen were injured, the spokesman added.Brigadier Jerry Thomas, the commander of the UK Task Force, said troops were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, a district in the north of Helmand Province, when they came under attack from Taliban forces. "Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers are very much with the family, friends and colleagues," he said. "The Royal Marines Company involved in today's attack remains in Now Zad providing support to the Afghan government and remains fully committed to the task." The Royal Marine's family have been informed and have requested privacy while they come to terms with their loss and inform friends and the wider family, Brigadier Thomas added.
The death of the Royal Marine in Afghanistan today brings the toll of fatalities of British Forces personnel in the country since the start of operations in November 2001 to 43. Of these, 22 were killed in action, while 21 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, the MoD added.