Death of three soldiers takes UK Afghanistan losses to 256 – more than in Falklands war

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 23:33

THREE soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, taking the number of British deaths in the conflict to more than those killed in the Falklands.

Two of the men, from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who were serving with the 3 Rifles Battle Group, were on a foot patrol in the town of Sangin in north Helmand when they were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Sunday evening.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield said: "Two of our comrades have been cruelly taken from us, but their bravery and fortitude will not be forgotten."

Last night, it emerged a third soldier, from 36 Engineer Regiment, part of the counter-IED Task Force, died as he led a team conducting route-clearance operations in the Nad-e-Ali District, in central Helmand province.

Their deaths – bringing the number of the British servicemen and women to have died in Afghanistan to 256 – came on the eve of Operation Mastarak, which is expected to be the largest offensive by Nato ground forces since operations began in 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks.

The defence secretary, Bob Ainsworth, stressed yesterday that Britain must hold its resolve in Afghanistan, but said the prospect of further British casualties was a "very real risk" during the efforts to clear militants from areas surrounding the town of Marjah in Helmand.

He said: "We have seen an intense, hard and bloody period in Afghanistan, but as we prepare to consolidate our progress with the launch of Operation Moshtarak, it is imperative that we hold our resolve. The national security of the UK and the safety of its citizens depends on that.

"Our presence in Afghanistan is vital in preventing it from once again becoming a haven for terrorists who would seek to threaten the UK."

Taleban fighters have been given the choice of laying down their weapons or facing "overwhelming force" from thousands of UK, US and Afghan troops.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said, while the "sad milestone" would attract attention, British troops would continue their work regardless.

"In theatre, our people continue resolutely and courageously with the task of assisting Afghans to build their own future," he said.