Two killed in Helmand mortar fire

Two British soldiers have been killed by enemy mortar fire in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The MoD said the two soldiers died after an "indirect fire attack" on Forward Operating Base Ouellette yesterday.

The soldiers, from the Royal Logistic Corps, were attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh Battlegroup, in the northern part of Nahr-e-Saraj district in Helmand province. Their families have been informed.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Major Ian Lawrence said last night: "Sadly, I must report that today that 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 are expected to be named later today.

A total of 412 members of UK forces have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

PA