Two British Soldiers Killed in Southern Afghanistan

The UK Ministry of Defence reports that two more British soldiers were killed in Southern Afghanistan.  According to the report the soldiers, both members of the Royal Logistcs Corps, serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Battle Group, were killed in an direct attack on a forward operating base (FOB).

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Major Ian Lawrence, said:

"Sadly, I must report that today two soldiers from the Royal Logistic Corps, attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh Battlegroup, were killed in an indirect fire attack on their base.
"The thoughts and condolences of everyone serving in the Combined Force are with their families and friends."

The soldiers' families have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) had reported earlier that two NATO soldiers had died following an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan.  The statement did not identify nationalities, which is normally deferred to the relevant national authorities.

Since the beginning of 2012, 142 NATO service members including 94 US troops, 16 British troops and 32 soldiers from other countries have been killed.  This brings the death toll for British troops up to 412 since deployment to Afghanistan.