British Afghan toll climbs to 357 as three more die

The first two soldiers, from the Royal Logistic Corps, were killed in a “domestic fire” at Camp Bastion in Helmand. The incident, which is under investigation, is thought to have been caused by a boiler.

Camp Bastion spokesman Wing Commander Martin Tinworth said: “Both soldiers were involved in vital support work for the UK forces who continue to bring hope and stability across Afghanistan. Our heartfelt condolences go out to both soldiers’ family and friends at this deeply sad time.”

Another soldier, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, died in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: “Sadly the insurgents have resorted to planting explosives that target innocent civilians and soldiers indiscriminately, without care for the impact that they have or the destruction they cause.

“The soldier gave his life trying to defend against such senseless inhumanity. His courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we offer heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will remember him.”

Their deaths take the number of UK military personnel who have died since 2001 to 357.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox warned that casualty numbers were “likely to rise” in the spring.

He also told MPs there were regularly well over 10,000 British personnel in Afghanistan, including a “sizeable” contingent of troops involved in special forces operations.