Briton Killed In Iraq During Operation To Remove Islamic State Mines

Briton Killed In Iraq During Operation To Remove Islamic State Mines
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A British national has been killed in Iraq where an American company is removing Islamic State mines.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death but was unable to give any further details.

"We are in contact with the employer of a British national who has died in Iraq and have offered our support at this difficult time," a spokeswoman said.

The person died while trying to defuse a bomb planted by IS, according to reports that said the UK embassy in Baghdad was aware of the death of a Briton in Ramadi.

Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes drove IS out of the area at the end of last year.

The militant group captured the capital of Anbar Province, which is 68 miles west of Baghdad, in May 2015 in what was a major blow to Iraqi forces.

A long campaign by the Iraqi government to retake Ramadi was hampered by snipers, booby traps and the destruction by IS forces of all bridges leading into the city.

Troops launched a major offensive to rid the city of bombs and debris left by militants after driving them out.