Reuters: British soldier killed in battle with Taliban

[Eugene]

British soldier killed in battle with Taliban
05 Dec 2006 17:50:29 GMT
Source: Reuters

GARMSER, Afghanistan, Dec 5 (Reuters) - A British Royal Marine was killed and a second
wounded on Tuesday in a battle with Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, the UK
Helmand Task Force (UKTF) said.

British troops attacked a Taliban-held valley but withdrew after a 10-hour battle with
fighters who launched a ferocious counterattack that withstood airstrikes and artillery
fire.

"Afghan and UKTF forces launched an operation on the outskirts of the village of Garmser
to dislodge Taliban forces who had been responsible for attacks on the town in recent
days," the Task Force said in a statement.

"During the operation two Royal Marines were injured, one of whom later died of his wounds.
Both were airlifted to the UK hospital in Camp Bastion," it said. "The second Royal Marine
has undergone surgery and is in a stable condition."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L05522822.htm

Also: Taliban repel British assault in south Afghanistan - Reuters