GARMSER, Afghanistan, Dec 5 (Reuters) - A British Royal Marine was killed and a second wounded on Tuesday in a battle with Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, the UK Helmand Task Force (UKTF) said.

British troops attacked a Taliban-held valley but withdrew after a 10-hour battle with fighters who launched a ferocious counterattack that withstood airstrikes and artillery fire.

"Afghan and UKTF forces launched an operation on the outskirts of the village of Garmser to dislodge Taliban forces who had been responsible for attacks on the town in recent days," the Task Force said in a statement.

"During the operation two Royal Marines were injured, one of whom later died of his wounds. Both were airlifted to the UK hospital in Camp Bastion," it said. "The second Royal Marine has undergone surgery and is in a stable condition."

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