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UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan | UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan |
(10 minutes later) | |
Two British soldiers have been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. | Two British soldiers have been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. |
The men were taking part in a routine patrol in Helmand province when their vehicle was hit by an explosion during a fight with the Taleban. | |
Another soldier and a civilian interpreter serving with Nato forces were also wounded in the battle, in which 20 suspected insurgents died. | |
Next of kin have not yet been informed, says the MoD. | |
The battle took place at 0915 local time (0445 GMT). | |
Lt Col Bridget Rose, Regional Command South spokesperson, said it was a "profoundly regrettable incident". | Lt Col Bridget Rose, Regional Command South spokesperson, said it was a "profoundly regrettable incident". |
"Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) troops, and the Afghans who work along side them, operate in extremely dangerous conditions," she said. | "Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) troops, and the Afghans who work along side them, operate in extremely dangerous conditions," she said. |
"It is a testament to their courage, resolve and commitment that they continue to bear down on insurgents bent on destroying the lives of the normal hard-working people in Afghanistan." | "It is a testament to their courage, resolve and commitment that they continue to bear down on insurgents bent on destroying the lives of the normal hard-working people in Afghanistan." |
The deaths come almost two weeks after three British soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by so-called friendly fire from American fighter planes. | The deaths come almost two weeks after three British soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by so-called friendly fire from American fighter planes. |
It takes to 76 the total number of UK troops killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001. | |
The UN-mandated Isaf was created in December 2001, after the ousting of the Taleban regime. | The UN-mandated Isaf was created in December 2001, after the ousting of the Taleban regime. |
Some 35,000 Nato-led forces from 37 countries are providing support to the Afghan authorities throughout the country. It is Nato's first and largest ground operation outside Europe. | Some 35,000 Nato-led forces from 37 countries are providing support to the Afghan authorities throughout the country. It is Nato's first and largest ground operation outside Europe. |