British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two British soldiers have been killed during a heavy firefight with Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

The soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, died after a patrol was attacked in Helmand province.

A number of other troops were also injured in the battle, two of whom are in a serious condition.

Next of kin have been informed in all cases.

The MoD said the soldiers were taking part in a "pre-planned operation" to disrupt the Taliban south of Garmsir when they were attacked.

The MoD said "a number" of Taliban fighters were also killed in the battle.

A MoD spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that two soldiers from The 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) were killed in Afghanistan.

"A number of other soldiers were also injured in the incident; two are in a serious condition.

"The soldiers were taking part in a pre-planned operation to disrupt Taliban activity, south of Garmsir, southern Helmand Province, when their patrol was attacked by enemy fighters shortly after 0045 local time.

"Sadly the two soldiers were killed during the subsequent heavy firefight to repel the enemy and a number of Taliban were also killed."

He added that the injured soldiers were evacuated to medical facilities at Camp Bastion and Kandahar Airfield by emergency helicopter.

He said: "Next of kin of all service personnel have been informed and have requested a 24 hour period of grace before further details are released."

Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which the British soldiers were part of, said the patrol was part of an "important operation" against extremists.

A spokesman said: "Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families, friends and colleagues of the ISAF soldiers who have been killed or injured."

"This patrol was part of an important operation against Taliban extremists in the area."

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