Afghan conflict claims two more soldiers’ lives

Two British soldiers died yesterday when their armoured vehicle struck a makeshift bomb in Afghanistan.

Their deaths, while on patrol in Helmand Province, came as friends and relatives paid tribute to Lance Corporal Peter Eustace, 25, who was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Wednesday.

The two soldiers, from the 1st The Queen’s Dragoons Guards, had been providing security in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj when they were caught in the explosion.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie said: “It is with great sadness that I must confirm the deaths of two soldiers from the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards after their vehicle was hit by an IED. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of both these brave soldiers at this very difficult time.”

The pair died while serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.

Their deaths take the number of British troops who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 388.