Afghan death toll hits 100

Monday, 9 June 2008 12:00 AM

The death of three British soldiers at the hands of a suicide bomber has brought the British death toll in Afghanistan to 100.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the three men were from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment and were on foot patrol in the Helmand Province when they were attacked.

Their next of kin have all been informed and a fourth man injured in the blast is receiving treatment, the BBC reports.

Reports claim the soldiers were hit by a single suicide bomber who detonated a large explosive device strapped to his chest.

The fatalities from the blast mean that 100 UK soldiers have now been killed since allied troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001.

Prime minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to the soldiers, claiming: "They have paid the ultimate price, but they have achieved something of lasting value.

"My first thoughts and condolences are with the families of these soldiers, who died serving in Afghanistan with such distinction.

"The risks they bear and the sacrifices they make should be in our thoughts, not just today but every day."

Defence secretary Des Browne also paid tribute to the 100 troops, saying: "They gave their lives securing freedom and stability, not just for the people of Afghanistan but, as the tragic events of 9/11 showed, for all of us. We will never forget them."

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock added his sympathy claiming: "Every one of those deaths is a tragedy.

"Nothing can ever compensate for the loss felt by their loved ones and to them all I extend my deepest sympathies.

"I only hope that the terrible hardship that they have been asked to bear can be eased by the certainty that in Afghanistan our forces are engaged in a most worthy and noble endeavour."

A Stop the War spokesman said: "These British soldiers have been killed unnecessarily in a war that's creating more terror than its stopping.

"The sooner British troops are brought home from Afghanistan the better."

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• foreign policy
,
• middle east