Summary
There is widespread coverage of the publication of thousands of secret US military files on the WikiLeaks website about the war in Afghanistan - see below. | ITN News at 10 featured an interview last night with injured serviceman Derek Derenalagi, a double amputee who was injured in Afghanistan in 2007, who talked about his rehabilitation. | The Guardian and The Times report that the Afghan Government has blamed a NATO rocket attack in Helmand for the deaths of at least 45 civilians last week, including women and children. | The Daily Mail claims the Queen's summer holiday is costing the taxpayer £1m in security, including the services of a Royal Navy warship. | There have been several news features about the horses from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on their annual trip to Blackpool.
Soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving as part of the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Monday 26 July 2010. Click here to read more.
US military document leaks
There is continuing media coverage about US military documents being published on WikiLeaks, with focus on civilian casualties and claims that the files contain evidence of 'war crimes'.
The MOD is currently examining its records to establish the facts in the alleged civilian casualty incidents raised. Reducing the risk to local civilians has always formed an essential part of planning for all military operations carried out by UK forces and we always do our utmost to ensure that we shield the civilian population from violence during the course of any military activity.
We are deeply saddened by any civilian deaths or injuries but we particularly regret incidents where civilians are killed as a result of actions by international forces. The MOD and ISAF have strict procedures, frequently updated in the light of experience, intended to both minimise the risk of casualties occurring and to investigate any incidents that do happen.
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