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14/11/2008
Mayo Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A Co Mayo man fighting in Afghanistan has been killed along with a colleague while serving with British forces.
Robert McKibben, 32, from Westport, died when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosive device on patrol in Helmand province.
A spokesperson for the British forces in Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, described the deaths on Wednesday as "tragic".
"This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones," he said.
Local priest Mícheál Mannion in Westport said the family and community were devastated by the news.
Two weeks ago, it was revealed that a British commander with the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had resigned, blaming the failure to provide his troops with heavy armoured vehicles for the deaths of some of his soldiers.
Major Sebastian Morley, commander of SAS (Special Air Service) troops in Afghanistan, had "resigned in disgust".
On Wednesday Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, announced Britain would buy $1.13bn worth of 700 new and upgraded armoured vehicles to protect its forces in Afghanistan.
See: Two Royal Marines Killed In Explosion
(DW)
Robert McKibben, 32, from Westport, died when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosive device on patrol in Helmand province.
A spokesperson for the British forces in Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, described the deaths on Wednesday as "tragic".
"This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones," he said.
Local priest Mícheál Mannion in Westport said the family and community were devastated by the news.
Two weeks ago, it was revealed that a British commander with the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had resigned, blaming the failure to provide his troops with heavy armoured vehicles for the deaths of some of his soldiers.
Major Sebastian Morley, commander of SAS (Special Air Service) troops in Afghanistan, had "resigned in disgust".
On Wednesday Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, announced Britain would buy $1.13bn worth of 700 new and upgraded armoured vehicles to protect its forces in Afghanistan.
See: Two Royal Marines Killed In Explosion
(DW)
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