Menu
13/11/2008
Two Royal Marines Killed In Explosion
Two Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
The pair were from the UK Landing Force Command Support Group, operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information exploitation.
They died in the Garmsir district of southern Helmand Province yesterday afternoon.
One of the victims is believed to be from Co Mayo in the Irish Republic and the families of both marines have been notified.
Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."
Brigadier General Richard Blanchette of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to their family, friends and fellow soldiers.
"Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan."
The deaths bring the number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan, since operations began to 124.
The tragic news comes as a BBC opinion poll revealed 68% of people questioned think British forces should be withdrawn from the war in the next year.
Britain current has around 8,000 troops stationed in the region, the second-largest foreign deployment after the United States.
The fiercest fighting has erupted in Helmand, which has been described as the most important mission by Defence Secretary John Hutton
Mr Hutton said insurgents in Afghanistan posed a direct threat to UK homeland security, and withdrawing troops would prove "a profoundly dangerous blow" to British interests.
See: Mayo Soldier Thought Killed In Afghanistan
(JM)
The pair were from the UK Landing Force Command Support Group, operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information exploitation.
They died in the Garmsir district of southern Helmand Province yesterday afternoon.
One of the victims is believed to be from Co Mayo in the Irish Republic and the families of both marines have been notified.
Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the Task Force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."
Brigadier General Richard Blanchette of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to their family, friends and fellow soldiers.
"Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan."
The deaths bring the number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan, since operations began to 124.
The tragic news comes as a BBC opinion poll revealed 68% of people questioned think British forces should be withdrawn from the war in the next year.
Britain current has around 8,000 troops stationed in the region, the second-largest foreign deployment after the United States.
The fiercest fighting has erupted in Helmand, which has been described as the most important mission by Defence Secretary John Hutton
Mr Hutton said insurgents in Afghanistan posed a direct threat to UK homeland security, and withdrawing troops would prove "a profoundly dangerous blow" to British interests.
See: Mayo Soldier Thought Killed In Afghanistan
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2009
Soldier Dies In Southern Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The serviceman from the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment was on an operation near Garmsir in Helmand Province, and next of kin have been informed.
Soldier Dies In Southern Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The serviceman from the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment was on an operation near Garmsir in Helmand Province, and next of kin have been informed.
14 August 2009
More Troops Killed in Afghanistan
Three British soldiers have died in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
More Troops Killed in Afghanistan
Three British soldiers have died in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
27 July 2010
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Monday. It has emerged that the soldier may have died in a 'friendly fire' incident.
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Monday. It has emerged that the soldier may have died in a 'friendly fire' incident.
03 September 2009
REME Soldier Killed In Afghan Blast
A soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan's Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today. The soldier, operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group, died whilst on a vehicle move in the Babaji district yesterday evening.
REME Soldier Killed In Afghan Blast
A soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan's Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today. The soldier, operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group, died whilst on a vehicle move in the Babaji district yesterday evening.
08 January 2013
British Soldier Killed In Afghan Army Attack
A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan in another suspected 'green on blue' attack by a member of the Afghan army. The Ministry of Defence has announced that a soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment, attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 7 January 2013.
British Soldier Killed In Afghan Army Attack
A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan in another suspected 'green on blue' attack by a member of the Afghan army. The Ministry of Defence has announced that a soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment, attached to 21 Engineer Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 7 January 2013.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
