Two Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

A second British soldier has been killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The serviceman, from the Royal Engineers, was undertaking a construction task in the Nad-e-Ali district.

The news came a few hours after the MoD announced the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

He was on patrol in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province yesterday when he was injured in enemy action, dying later in the day, the spokeswoman said.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Major Ian Lawrence said of the first death: "It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles has died as a result of injuries sustained whilst on patrol in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province.

"The thoughts and prayers of all in the Task Force are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

On the second death, he said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a soldier from 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment, has been killed as a result of injuries sustained by enemy action whilst on duty in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province.

"The death of this brave Engineer will be felt deeply by his family, friends and all those who served alongside him. We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to them at this difficult time."

The soldiers' families have been informed and they have asked for a 24 hour period of grace before further details are released.

The deaths bring the total number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 424.

Earlier, the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said three US soldiers were killed in an incident in south-west Afghanistan by "an individual wearing Afghan uniform".