Explosion takes UK death-toll in Afghanistan level with Falklands
UK Afghan death-toll draws level with that of Falklands war
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Monday, 08, Feb 2010 11:30
By Matthew Champion.
Two British soldiers have died in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, taking the UK death-toll level to that of 1982's Falklands war.
The unnamed soldiers, from the First Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland and whose next of kin have been informed, died during a foot patrol near Sangin in northern Helmand province.
The UK death-toll from operations in Afghanistan now stands at 255, the same number of British military fatalities incurred in the Falklands war.
Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth has warned that more casualties are likely in the coming days as UK troops join US and Nato forces in Operation Moshtarak, a major anti-Taliban offensive centred on the town of Marja.
Full story: Afghan exodus ahead of largest coalition offensive since war began
The two latest UK victims of the Afghan war were not involved in the offensive, the MoD said.
Reacting to the news, Mr Ainsworth said that each and every death within the armed forces was a "tragedy of equal proportion".
"Our thoughts at this time lie firmly with the families and friends of all the brave men and women fallen in Afghanistan, and we should all remember that every one of them has given their lives in defence of their - and our - country," 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."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, chief of the defence staff, added: "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.
"Day after day, service personnel from the UK and from out partner nations are putting their lives on the line in order to make possible the progress we have seen, and are continuing to see, in Helmand province. We owe it to them to show resolve and to give them our utmost backing."
Announcing their deaths, spokesman for Taskforce Helmand Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield said: "It is with deep sadness I must inform you that two British soldiers were killed last night by an explosion near Sangin in northern Helmand.
"They were on a foot patrol bringing security to local people near Patrol Base Wishtan when the explosion caught them.
"Two of our comrades have been cruelly taken from us, but their bravery and fortitude will not be forgotten."
Operation Moshtarak is Nato's first military move since a major conference on Afghanistan's future was held in London at the end of last month.
At the talks it was agreed that Afghanistan would be responsible for its own security in five years and will begin assuming control in 2010.
A $140 million fund has been pledged towards president Hamid Karzai's reconciliation strategy targeting non-ideological Taliban members.
UK foreign secretary David Miliband said the choice facing members of the Taliban insurgency were reintegration into Afghan society and complete acceptance of the country's constitution or "unremitting military force".
Afghan defence minister Abdul Rahim Wardak added his own words of condolence after the 254th and 255th UK deaths in his country.
"The deaths of UK, [Nato's 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," he said.
"I look forward to the day when the Afghan security forces are able to take full responsibility for Afghanistan's security.
"We are trying very hard to make this day happen as soon as possible. Working together, we are making progress and the [Afghan national army] is increasingly taking the leading role. But for now we continue to need the support of our international friends and partners, including the UK. We will never forget that, in our hour of need, you stood by us."