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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (CNN) - A Danish soldier was shot and killed Friday during a foot patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Danish Defense Ministry said.

The incident occurred in a bazaar area around Gereshk in Helmand province.

"It is with heavy heart that I have received the message that one of our soldiers in Afghanistan today has died as a result of his injuries," said acting defense chief, Lt. Gen. Bjorn Bisserup.

This is the 26th Danish service member to die in the Afghan conflict, according to a CNN count of official figures. There are nearly 700 Danish troops in Afghanistan serving under NATO's International Security Assistance Force.