BIGON Sandbank

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.

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."

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."