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UK marines killed in Afghan blast UK marines killed in Afghan blast
(40 minutes later)
Two Royal Marines have been killed in southern Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence. Two Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion which hit their vehicle on patrol in southern Afghanistan.
The pair, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, died in an explosion in the Garmsir district of Helmand on Wednesday 12 November, the MoD said. The pair, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, died in the blast in the Garmsir district of Helmand province on 12 November.
The families of both marines, who served with the Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade, have been notified.The families of both marines, who served with the Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade, have been notified.
The fatalities bring the total of UK military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan to 300, including 124 in Afghanistan.
'Tragic blow'
Cdr Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."Cdr Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."
She added: "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."She added: "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."
'Deepest sympathies' The MoD said the marines had been taking part in a joint patrol with Afghan soldiers when the explosion happened at 1647 local time (1217 GMT).
The MoD said the marines had been taking part in a joint patrol with Afghan soldiers when their vehicle was hit by an explosive device at 1647 local time (1217 GMT).
They had been working with Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group.They had been working with Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group.
Brig Gen Richard Blanchette of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to their family, friends and fellow soldiers. Brig Gen 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.""Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan."
Their deaths bring the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began to 124.