A 23-year-old Danish soldier of the Second Light Reconnaissance Squadron died early this morning of wounds sustained during an explosion which happened while he was on foot patrol near the Barakzai Patrol Base, according to the Army Operational Command.

Despite on-site first aid and urgent helicopter removal, the young soldier was declared dead shortly after arrival at the Camp Bastion Field Hospital.

“Tragically one of our soldiers died of his wounds this morning after an explosion which took place while he was fulfilling his duties in Helmand. This is a hard blow to us all, but particularly for the soldier’s relatives. We are thinking of them and will support the family at this difficult time,” says Army Operational Command Commanding Officer Major-General Niels Bundgaard.