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.

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.

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)