100th British soldier killed in action in Iraq

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) A British soldier was today killed by a roadside bomb in Basra, taking to 100 the number killed in action in Iraq since the US-led invasion in March 2003, the Ministry of Defence said.

The attack on the routine Warrior patrol took place early today in the Al Ashshar district of the southern Iraqi city.

there had also been several civilian casualties.

The name of the dead soldier was not being released until next of kin had been informed.

The death brings to 131 the total number of British armed forces personnel who have been killed in Iraq since the invasion.

REUTERS DKA RN1624