UK Lt. Col. killed in roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan

Kabul, July 3 (ANI): A roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan has claimed the life of the highest ranking British officer in almost three decades, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

Lt. Col. Rupert Thorneloe, 40, the commanding officer of the Welsh Guards, died after his Viking armoured vehicle was blown up by a substantial roadside bomb that killed another British soldier and wounded six others.

According to The Telegraph, a high-level inquiry is now underway as to why the officer was travelling in a Viking, which were supposed to be restricted to low risk areas pending its replacement by the more heavily armoured Warthog vehicle next year.

Lt. Col. Thorneloe is the first commanding officer to be killed during a military operation since Col "H" Jones, VC, died leading 2nd Bn The Parachute Regiment in its attack on Goose Green during the Falklands War in 1982.

The legendary paratrooper was awarded the Victoria Cross for the "utmost gallantry" he showed in leading the assault.

Lt. Col. Thorneloe was also a highly regarded officer and seen as a "high flier" within the Army.

His previous job was military assistant to Des Browne, the former defence secretary.(ANI)