A British soldier died from gunshot wounds during an operation in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The soldier, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was shot during an operation against insurgents in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "Regrettably I must announce the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment .
"The soldier was part of an operation aiming to increase security in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province when he was shot and subsequently died of his wounds.
"He has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Nad-e Ali from insurgent intimidation and defending his country from the threat of terrorism; no more could be asked of any soldier. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
His family have been informed.
A total of 346 UK military personnel have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.
