Three British soldiers confirmed killed in Afghan blast
Three soldiers killed in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan yesterday have been confirmed as British by the Ministry of Defence. Their next of kin have been informed.
The soldiers, from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were on a routine patrol when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand Province.
They received immediate medical attention and were evacuated by air to the Military Hospital at Camp Bastion but could not be saved, the MOD said.`
The deaths take to 444 the number of UK service members who have lost their lives since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.
Six have now died in 2013.
Officials first reported the deadly blast yesterday, which also killed nine Afghans.
The attack came on the third day of what the Taliban has called its spring offensive.
Other blasts throughout the country killed nine civilians and a police commander.
In past years, spring has marked a significant upsurge in fighting between the Taliban and Nato forces with their local allies.
The insurgents warned they would infiltrate enemy ranks to conduct “insider attacks” and target military and diplomatic sites with suicide bombers.
This fighting season is a key test, as the international coalition is scheduled to hand over security responsibilities to Afghan forces next year.
