Menu
14/08/2009
Co Down Troops Killed in Afghanistan
Two of the three British soldiers who died in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan yesterday were based in Northern Ireland.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the soldiers were killed in an explosion while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province on Thursday.
Two of the soldiers were from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, which is based at Ballykinler, Co Down, while the third was from 40 Regiment Royal Artillery.
Their families have been informed.
These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Today has been incredibly sad for the whole of Task Force Helmand, and particularly for The Rifles battlegroup, with whom all three soldiers were serving.
"We will all feel the loss of these brave soldiers, but it is their family, friends and loved ones, as well as the men and women who served alongside them, who feel the greatest pain and we offer them our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers."
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said: "The loss of these brave men, and all of those who have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002, is a tragedy.
"It brings us very close to the sad milestone of 200 fatalities in this conflict. We cannot help but reflect on the toll the mission has taken on our people and their families and friends.
"But we must also keep in the forefront of our minds how important it is to the security of this country and its citizens.
"So many young men and women have been injured or given their lives to ensure that Afghanistan does not fall back into the hands of the extremists and the terrorists who seek to threaten us and our interests. We must succeed. And we will."
(KMcA/BMcC)
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the soldiers were killed in an explosion while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province on Thursday.
Two of the soldiers were from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, which is based at Ballykinler, Co Down, while the third was from 40 Regiment Royal Artillery.
Their families have been informed.
These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Today has been incredibly sad for the whole of Task Force Helmand, and particularly for The Rifles battlegroup, with whom all three soldiers were serving.
"We will all feel the loss of these brave soldiers, but it is their family, friends and loved ones, as well as the men and women who served alongside them, who feel the greatest pain and we offer them our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers."
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said: "The loss of these brave men, and all of those who have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002, is a tragedy.
"It brings us very close to the sad milestone of 200 fatalities in this conflict. We cannot help but reflect on the toll the mission has taken on our people and their families and friends.
"But we must also keep in the forefront of our minds how important it is to the security of this country and its citizens.
"So many young men and women have been injured or given their lives to ensure that Afghanistan does not fall back into the hands of the extremists and the terrorists who seek to threaten us and our interests. We must succeed. And we will."
(KMcA/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2009
NI-Based Trooper Dies In Afghanistan
It has emerged that one of the two soldiers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday was from a Co Down-based regiment. The soldier - based in Ballykinler - and a colleague from another regiment were killed while on a routine foot patrol near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Thursday. Their families have been informed.
NI-Based Trooper Dies In Afghanistan
It has emerged that one of the two soldiers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday was from a Co Down-based regiment. The soldier - based in Ballykinler - and a colleague from another regiment were killed while on a routine foot patrol near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Thursday. Their families have been informed.
01 October 2009
Afghanistan Veterans 'Troop Back'
Despite losing five men while in war-torn Afghanistan, there was an air of celebration yesterday when the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment returned to its NI base. About 70 soldiers from the regiment have flown into NI after finishing their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Veterans 'Troop Back'
Despite losing five men while in war-torn Afghanistan, there was an air of celebration yesterday when the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment returned to its NI base. About 70 soldiers from the regiment have flown into NI after finishing their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
01 June 2009
Two Soldiers Die In Afghan Blast
Two British servicemen killed in Afghanistan on Saturday have been named by the Ministry of Defence. Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett, of the Light Dragoons, from Belfast, and Corporal Stephen Bolger, of 1 Para died in an explosion.
Two Soldiers Die In Afghan Blast
Two British servicemen killed in Afghanistan on Saturday have been named by the Ministry of Defence. Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett, of the Light Dragoons, from Belfast, and Corporal Stephen Bolger, of 1 Para died in an explosion.
26 November 2008
Honour For Irish Serviceman Killed In Afghanistan
The Irishman killed serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan is to be remembered on an engraved Peace Park 'wall' in Co Mayo.
Honour For Irish Serviceman Killed In Afghanistan
The Irishman killed serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan is to be remembered on an engraved Peace Park 'wall' in Co Mayo.
08 March 2010
Legion Remembers Murdered Sappers
Members of the Royal British Legion, flanked by standard bearers, have laid poppy wreaths at the gates of a NI army base where two soldiers lost their lives exactly a year ago. The solemn memorial service was held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans.
Legion Remembers Murdered Sappers
Members of the Royal British Legion, flanked by standard bearers, have laid poppy wreaths at the gates of a NI army base where two soldiers lost their lives exactly a year ago. The solemn memorial service was held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
