09/06/2008

Tributes Paid To British Military Deaths In Afghanistan

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has led tributes to British troops as the death toll of British military personnel in Afghanistan reached 100.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the bravery of British servicemen and women and said that those who had died had paid "the ultimate price" but had achieved "something of lasting value".

Mr Brown told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that "significant progress" is being made in Afghanistan but that it is "frustratingly slow".

"I want to pay tribute to the courage of all the 100 British troops who have given their lives in Afghanistan in the service of their country," he said.

Mr Brown added that British forces are "on the frontline" of the "international effort" and that they have "acquitted themselves with great bravery and professionalism".

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the deaths of three soldiers from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment yesterday.

The soldiers had been on a routine foot patrol, 1km west of their Forward Operating Base in the Upper Sangin Valley, when they were targeted in a suicide bomb attack.

A fourth soldier is currently receiving treatment for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said in a statment: "Our Armed Forces are resolute in doing what their country asks of them. These deaths, though hard to bear, remind us all of the extraordinary sacrifices they and their families make on our behalf – and of the price of failure if we falter in Afghanistan. We continue to owe them a great debt of gratitude."

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, said: "I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the family, comrades and friends of the three soldiers killed in Afghanistan this weekend. My thoughts at this time are also with the loved ones of each and every one of the 100 courageous members of the British Armed Forces who have now lost their lives in Afghanistan.

The next of kin of the soldiers have been informed.

(DS/KMcA)


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