Three soldiers killed in two days

A British soldier was killed by an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday as the UK death toll exceeded that of the Falklands War.

Comrades said the 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. Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: “His indomitable courage and fortitude, the hallmark of his profession, will not be forgotten.”

His next of kin have been informed.

His death was announced after Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth insisted that Britain must hold its resolve in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence would not confirm whether the soldier was involved in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive against insurgents in central Helmand due to begin in the coming days.

L/Col Wakefield added: “He was leading a team conducting route-clearance op erations at the time, making the way ahead safe for others to follow.”

Earlier yesterday, it was confirmed that two soldiers from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, had been killed by an explosion in Helmand province, on Sunday night.

The soldiers, who were serving with the 3 Rifles Battle Group in Sangin, were killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol.

A total of 256 British servicemen and women have now died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

Mr Ainsworth had previously warned that British casualties were a “very real risk“ during the bid to clear militants from areas surrounding the town of Marjah, in Helmand.

Yesterday 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.

“In taking the fight to the insurgents, providing security and hope for the Afghan people and building up their own security forces, we will — and must — succeed.”

Taliban 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 Falklands milestone would attract attention, British troops would continue their work regardless.

He said: “We remember and honour all those who have given their lives in the line of duty and pay tribute to the significant progress that they have helped to achieve.

“Sad milestones such as this naturally attract attention in the UK, but in theatre our people continue resolutely and courageously with the task of assisting Afghans to build their own future.”

The Afghan defence minister, General Abdul Rahim Wardak, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the British casualties.

He said: “The deaths of UK, ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) and Afghan service personnel and civilians are always tragic, but I hope that it is of some comfort to the families that their sacrifice is not in vain. The scourge of extremism and terrorism affects us all and we will continue to confront it together.”