Servicewoman Among British Dead In Afghanistan

The death toll continues to rise in Afghanistan as four British troops, including a woman, have been killed in an explosion.

While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the deaths of an Intelligence Corps soldier - the one who is thought to be female - and three other British troops, they won't however say if there is a servicewoman among the dead.

A spokesperson for the MoD said that the troops were taking part in a planned operation east of Lashkar Gah when the vehicle in which they were travelling was caught in an explosion.

"Tragically three soldiers were killed in the incident and a further two wounded. The Medical Emergency Response Team were mobilised and evacuated all casualties to the ISAF medical facility at Camp Bastion. Sadly one of the two injured soldiers was pronounced dead on arrival."

A fifth soldier is receiving treatment for his wounds and is in a stable condition.

Next of kin have been informed.

British Army spokesman at Camp Bastion, Lt Col Robin Matthews says that "while the past weekend has indeed been bruising", personnel "must remain fixed on what the strategic imperative is here".

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to the four soldiers and said: "I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the four brave British soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan and will be deeply mourned."

Mr Brown added that British troops are "the best in the world" and fight for "the noblest of causes".

Defence Secretary Des Brown says it "has been a very difficult time" but that British troops are "enjoying a degree of success" at the moment.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a TV interview that the British military presence in Afghanistan is "still necessary" and that "this is a joint political, economic and security drive that's the only way this can be done".

Conservative MP and former infantry officer Patrick Mercer believes more should be done to protect Britsh forces from such attacks.

The deaths take the number of British servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 106.

See: More British Troops To Be Deployed To Afghanistan

Tributes Paid To British Military Deaths In Afghanistan

(DS)