KABUL (BNO NEWS) — Three coalition service members died in three separate incidents in southern Afghanistan on Monday, the NATO-led ISAF alliance said. One of the soldiers was from the United Kingdom, while the nationalities of two others were not immediately released.

The British soldier died as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion which occurred about 3 kilometers south of Sangin district center in Helmand Province, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. He was from A Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, serving as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group.

“It is my sad duty to have to inform you that a soldier from 3 RIFLES was killed this morning by an explosion,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, a spokesman for the Task Force Helmand. “It happened about 3 kilometres south of Sangin District Centre, in an area where the 3 RIFLES Battle Group has been pushing back the insurgents and bringing security to the local people. The soldier was operating in support of a foot patrol when, as he crossed a small bridge, he was struck by an IED. His bravery and selfless commitment to his comrades and to this fight will not be forgotten.”

Wakefield said that next of kin of the soldier have been informed.

Meanwhile, two more oalition soldiers were killed in two separate incidents in southern Afghanistan. The ISAF alliance said the soldiers died as a result of IED attacks, but provided no further details. The nationalities of those two were not immediately released.

A total of 121 coalition service members have been killed in Afghanistan so far this year, according to a BNO News count based on official figures. Most of those killed were from the United States and from the United Kingdom, and the majority died as a result of IED explosions.

The Briton killed on Monday was the 31st British fatality in Afghanistan so far this year.