Two soldiers killed in Afghan blast

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The pair from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, serving with 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, were killed in a blast in the Garmsir district of southern Helmand.

They were travelling in a Jackal, an off-road armoured vehicle, when they were killed.

Spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said: "The deaths of these two soldiers will be keenly felt by all in the Task Force and particularly by those who worked alongside them. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to their families and loved ones and we offer our thoughts and prayers to them all at this most painful and distressing time."

Their deaths followed the news that Lance Corporal Christopher Harkett, 22, from Pontardawe in Swansea, died on Saturday in a blast in Musa Qala District Centre, Northern Helmand. He was killed while providing covering fire for fellow soldiers.

A stream of tributes revealed how the young soldier, whose father and grandfather served in the army, kept fellow troops' spirits up with his sense of humour.

His wife Danielle said: "I cannot begin to describe the pain and hurt I feel knowing I will not be with you again. I only have the memories of our short life together, but I'm grateful that I had the privilege and honour to be your wife."

The number of British service personnel who have died in the country since operations began in 2001 has now reached 152. As the grim milestone was reached, Defence Secretary John Hutton told the BBC that the war in Afghanistan could be won, and that Britain had "no choice" but to fight the Taliban.

The Jackal squadron from 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards is tasked with patrolling an area surrounding the Helmand river which is known as the "Snake's Head" because of its geographical shape.

Reconnaissance teams travel into the desert in the heavily armed open top vehicles, sometimes spending several days and nights away from their main base. One of their roles is to deter the Taliban from using desert routes to smuggle arms across the border from Pakistan.