NI Soldier Hurt In Deadly Afghanistan Attack

There's an NI link emerging today from news of further casualties in Afghanistan.

While two soldiers from The Parachute Regiment have been killed in a shoot-out, there are local reports that a third soldier - who comes from Newtownabbey in Co Antrim - is seriously ill with stomach wounds sustained in the same tragic incident.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a statement last night and said: "It is with great sadness that (we) must announce that two soldiers, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 9th February.

"The soldiers were deployed on an operation to reassure the local population and provide security in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province."

Commenting for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "It is my very sad duty to report the loss of two soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

"The soldiers were patrolling an area in the north of Nad-e Ali District when they were hit by small arms fire from which they both subsequently died.

"Both soldiers were engaged in vital work bringing stability, governance and development to an area that had been dominated by insurgent intimidation.

"They have given their lives fighting oppression and protecting those less able to protect themselves; we will never forget them. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time," the officer concluded.

The MoD said next of kin have been informed - but asked for a period of grace before further details are released - including confirmation that the young NI soldier was undergoing emergency surgery for stomach wounds last night.

(BMcC)