07/03/2012

Six Soldiers Killed In Helmand Explosion

Six soldiers are missing, believed killed, after their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan yesterday, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Five soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and one from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were on a mounted patrol when their Warrior armoured fighting vehicle was caught in an explosion.

Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "I have the tragic duty to report that six soldiers are missing, believed killed, during a security patrol. The six soldiers, five from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and one from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were on patrol in a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle when it was caught in an explosion in the Task Force Helmand Area of Operations."

Details are still being confirmed and further information will be released in due course. The families of the soldiers have been informed.

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: "This tragic incident brings home to us the dangers that are faced on a daily basis by the men and women of our Armed Forces deployed in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the six soldiers who are missing, believed killed, and also with their colleagues, both in Afghanistan and the UK, whose brave work continues or is about to start.

"I utterly condemn those responsible for this incident who will ultimately fail to derail a mission that is protecting our national security at home and making real progress in Helmand province - a testament to the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our Armed Forces.

"We should never forget those who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to protect our national security."

(CD)

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