Two British soldiers killed during a rocket attack in southern Afghanistan are due to be named by the Ministry of Defence.
The two soldiers from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery died in an attack in the Sangin area of the war-torn Helmand province.
The Commander of the UK Task Force in Afghanistan, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, said to lose two men in one incident was a "deeply saddening blow".
Brig Thomas said: "It is with deep regret that I must confirm the death of two members of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery during operations in Helmand.
"The loss of two of our men in one incident is a deeply saddening blow.
"It will be particularly badly felt by all those back home and I would like to sincerely convey my thoughts and condolences to the men's families and friends at this very difficult time. Our prayers are with them."
The MoD said the men's next of kin had been informed.
The two deaths bring the number of British Forces personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in November 2001 to 50.
The latest fatalities come just days after Defence Secretary Des Browne announced 1,400 extra troops would be sent to bolster the Nato force in the troubled country.
The deployment will increase the number of British servicemen and women to 7,700, mostly in Helmand province.
http:/www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/ (Ministry of Defence)
