Two Dead As British Troops Leave Sangin

British troops have now left one of the deadliest districts in southern Afghanistan, handing over responsibility to American forces - with two more tragic fatalities to mark the past weekend.

Around 1,000 British troops in Sangin are to redeploy to central Helmand.

During the nine-year old war, this deadly area accounted for almost a third of the British dead.

Liam Fox, UK's Defence Secretary commented: "British forces have served in Sangin over the last four years and should be very proud of the achievements they have made in one of the most challenging areas of Afghanistan."

"The level of sacrifice has been high.

"We should never forget the many brave troops who have lost their lives in the pursuit of success in an international mission rooted firmly in our own national security in the UK."

Dr Fox added that British troops redeployed to central Helmand would continue to lead the fight against the insurgency and assist in building a stable and secure Afghanistan.

The number of British losses since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001 now stands at 337.

There are currently about 9,500 UK troops in the turbulent country.

The Ministry of Defence said the move would equally balance foreign forces in Afghanistan amongst the local population as more US troops arrive.

This past weekend saw the deaths of another two British soldiers, one from The Queen's Royal Lancers and one from the Royal Engineers.

The pair died in an explosion on Saturday, during a vehicle patrol in the Lashkar Gah District of Helmand Province.

They were serving as part of Combined Force Lashkar Gah. Next of kin have been informed but as yet, they have not been named.

(BMcN/GK)