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A MARINE was killed yesterday during a mission to oust Taleban insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

The serviceman, from Arbroath-based 45 Commando Royal Marines, died during an operation to target known Taleban positions and firing points near Garmsir, in Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence said.

NATO officials said soldiers were “engaged from several insurgent positions”.

The soldier is the second British marine to die in Afghanistan in the past three days. Thomas Curry, 21, from London, was killed during a battle to clear Taleban positions on Saturday.

Brigadier Jerry Thomas, commander of the UK task force in Afghanistan, said the latest death occurred during a “substantial” and “important” operation, and his thoughts were with the serviceman’s family. “Sadly, one of our marines was killed during an important operation in southern Helmand,” he said.

“I do know that this is a very difficult time for his family and his friends, but I do want to convey my sincere condolences and let them know that our thoughts are very much with them.

“Our marine was killed during a substantial pre-planned operation in the south of Helmand.

“His colleagues were able to display their courage and resolve in continuing their mission at a particularly challenging time.”

The marine’s next of kin have been informed of his death, the MoD said, but his name had not been released last night.

The latest fatality follows the deaths of Marine Curry and another British servicemen in Iraq last Saturday. It was the bloodiest day for the UK military overseas since last November.

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