Britain's Afghanistan death toll now equals the Falklands

Two British soldiers have been killed by an explosion in Afghanistan — raising the death toll to match the fatalities of the Falklands War.

The blast yesterday brought the number of UK personnel to have died in Afghanistan since 2001 to 255, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The grim milestone came hours after Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth warned of more British casualties during a "big push" against Taliban fighters.

Despite the mounting deaths, record numbers of Londoners are joining up, a senior recruiting officer said today.

The two men, from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were on foot patrol near Sangin, in Helmand province.

Mr Ainsworth said: "Our thoughts lie firmly with the families and friends of all the brave men and women fallen in Afghanistan."

Lt Col David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Their bravery and fortitude will not be forgotten." The MoD said the two soldiers were not involved in Operation Moshtarak, a major offensive to clear fighters from the town of Marjah.