A second Nepalese soldier from Folkestone has been killed in Afghanistan in two weeks.

Colour Sergeant Krishna Dura, 36, was a member of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles. He was killed on Saturday when a bomb went off under the Warrior armoured vehicle he was travelling in through the district of Musa Qala, Helmand Province.

Two other soldiers were seriously injured.

Rifleman Yubraj Rai, 28, also of 2RGR, died in a gun battle 11 days before.

C/Sgt Dura’s wife and two daughters, who are living at Canterbury’s Howe Barracks, have been informed.

Cllr Dhan Gurung, of Folkestone Town Council, told the Express: “This is a terrible tragedy for the community , not just the Nepalese but the whole of Folkestone. We have lost another Gurkha. On behalf of all of Folkestone Town Council I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolence for his family in this terrible time.”

Folkestone’s 2RGR are in Afghanistan as one of the Force Protection troops for the Commando Logistic Regiment, deployed as part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Darby, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:“Colour Sergeant Krishna was an exceptional soldier, a gifted leader and consummate professional. Recently promoted out of D Company, he had deployed on Operation HERRICK as the Master Sniper in command of a platoon that he had formed less than a year before, and which he had trained himself. “Like all those who have gone before him, C/Sgt Krishna was a proud Nepali, a proud soldier and was exceptionally proud of his Regiment and of his part in it. A man of significant operational experience, he understood the dangers associated with fighting a determined and dangerous enemy, but his ability to counter this threat successfully with an equal measure of 'pahari’ cunning, tenacity and military skill were one of his great strengths.”

His friend Corporal Yogendra Rai from Sniper Platoon, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:“Colour Sergeant Krishna Dura was a good commander and a good father of two daughters. In this situation he left us where we need him desperately. However, the greatest need is for his wife and for his cute daughters rather than we fully-grown and trained snipers.”

C/Sgt Dura came from the Lamjung District of western Nepal and enlisted in the British Army in 1992. He had served on operations in Bosnia Herzegovina, East Timor, twice in Sierra Leone and this was his third tour to Afghanistan.