Three British Soldiers Die in Helmand
Written by Quqnoos.com
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 11:36


Three British soldiers have been killed in southern Afghanistan, raising British death toll to 10 this year


Two soldiers died in an explosion in the volatile Sangin district of the southern Helmand province on Sunday evening.

The third soldier died on Monday morning in an explosion as he led a team conducting route clearance operations in the Nad-e-Ali district.

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

The deaths come ahead of a major Afghan-led joint military operation in central Helmand, a spiritual Taliban stronghold and a hub for narco-trade.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment, part of the counter-IED taskforce, was killed by an explosion in Nad-e-Ali district," said Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for British forces in Helmand.

"His indomitable courage and fortitude, the hallmark of his profession, will not be forgotten."

None of the soldiers was due to be involved in Operation Moshtarak, the biggest offensive against insurgents in central Helmand, which is about to be launched.

"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," British Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth said.

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

Operation Moshtarak will involve around 15,000 international troops, including Afghan forces, to capture Marjah, a Taliban stronghold for years.

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