UPDATE:
MOD confirms names of the six soldiers believed killed in Helmand
LONDON: Six British soldiers are missing and are believed to
have been killed in Afghanistan after an explosion hit an armoured
vehicle, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.
“I
have the tragic duty to report that six soldiers are missing, believed
killed, during a security patrol,” said British spokesman Lieutenant
Colonel Gordon Mackenzie.
The ministry said the soldiers had been
on patrol on Tuesday in Helmand Province, the restive southern area
where most British troops are based, when their vehicle was hit.
The servicemen’s families have been informed, the ministry added.
---
ISAF release:
KABUL, Afghanistan – Six International Security Assistance Force service
members were believed killed following an improvised explosive device
attack in southern Afghanistan yesterday.
It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.
---
MOD release:
Six soldiers believed killed in Helmand
7 Mar 12
It is with great
sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that six soldiers are
missing, believed killed, after their armoured vehicle was caught in an
explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, yesterday, Tuesday 6 March
2012.
Six soldiers, five from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and
one from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were on a
mounted patrol when their Warrior armoured fighting vehicle was caught
in an explosion.
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said:
"I have the tragic duty to report that six soldiers are missing,
believed killed, during a security patrol. The six soldiers, five from
3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and one from 1st Battalion The Duke
of Lancaster's Regiment, were on patrol in a Warrior armoured fighting
vehicle when it was caught in an explosion in the Task Force Helmand
Area of Operations."
Details are still being confirmed and further information will be
released in due course. The families of the soldiers have been informed.
The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said:
"This tragic incident brings home to us the dangers that are faced on
a daily basis by the men and women of our Armed Forces deployed in
Afghanistan. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the six
soldiers who are missing, believed killed, and also with their
colleagues, both in Afghanistan and the UK, whose brave work continues
or is about to start.
"I utterly condemn those responsible for this incident who will
ultimately fail to derail a mission that is protecting our national
security at home and making real progress in Helmand province - a
testament to the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our Armed
Forces.
"We should never forget those who have lost their lives in Afghanistan to protect our national security.
"It is because of the continuing efforts of our Armed Forces, working
alongside the Afghan National Security Forces, that we are on course to
build an Afghanistan that can stand on its own two feet when UK combat
operations cease at the end of 2014 and never again becomes a haven for
international terrorism."
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, said:
"I was deeply saddened by the news of this incident and that six
soldiers are believed to have lost their lives doing what is a dangerous
but important job.
"My thoughts and prayers at this difficult time are with the families of those affected by this tragic event.
"This campaign has seen many personal tragedies and we owe it to
those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to recognise that their
courage and skill is visible in the ever more capable Afghan Army and
Police.
"Increasingly the Afghans themselves are taking the lead in providing
security across Helmand. This transition is allowing Afghans to gain
the confidence to reject the Taliban and live normal lives.
"The courage, fortitude and determination of those servicemen and
women currently in Helmand are inspirational. They have not once wavered
but, every day, mix the professionalism of which we are all so proud
with deep commitment and determination.
"The support shown by the public towards our men and women continues
to be a source of great strength for the Armed Forces. They feel
strongly that they are protecting us all through their service in
Afghanistan."
Washington Time
Kabul Time
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