15/06/2010

Three British troops have died in the space of 24 hours following separate clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Two soldiers, both from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were killed in southern Afghanistan early Tuesday morning 15th June.
They were killed in separate shooting incidents in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said:
"It is my sad duty to inform you that two soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment were killed in separate incidents this morning. Both soldiers were part of security patrols that were involved in operations to improve freedom of movement for local nationals in Nad 'Ali, Helmand province, when they were killed by small arms fire.
"Their bravery and boldness in the face of danger will not be forgotten. They died in the course of their duty, amongst their comrades and whilst improving the lives of ordinary Afghans. We will remember them."
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the death of a Marine at Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital on Monday.
The serviceman from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in from injuries received during a gun fight in Sangin on Sunday.
He was part of a foot patrol that was providing local security whilst engineering improvements were being made to a patrol base in the district when the incident happened
Next of kin have all been informed.
The British death toll since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 now stands at 298.