Two Marines killed in Afghanistan
Two British Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The pair, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, were taking part in a joint patrol with soldiers from Afghan security forces when their vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand on Wednesday afternoon.
Commander Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the task force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."
The pair were operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group, which is responsible for gathering information to improve situational awareness and to gain an advantage over enemy forces.
The marines were on a routine patrol and the cause of the explosion is not yet known.
Brigadier General Richard Blanchette of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to their family, friends and fellow soldiers.
"Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan."
The soldiers' next of kin asked for a 24-hour period of grace before more information is released, the MoD said.
The deaths bring the number of British services personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began to 124.
On November 4 the first Nepalese Gurkha soldier was killed fighting in the country. Yubraj Rai, 28, who served with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was killed while on patrol near Musa Qaleh in southern Afghanistan.
