Three soldiers from 1 RIFLES killed in Afghanistan

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that three soldiers from 1st Battalion The Rifles have been killed in Afghanistan today, Wednesday 25 February 2009. The soldiers died from wounds sustained as a result of an enemy explosion during an escort operation in the Gereshk district of Helmand province this morning.

The Medical Emergency Response Team helicopter was called, but sadly the soldiers were all pronounced dead by the doctor in the helicopter.

Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said:

"Today has been incredibly sad for the whole of Task Force Helmand, and particularly for The Rifles.

"We will all feel the loss of these brave soldiers, whose role was to build the capacity of the Afghan National Army. But it is their family, friends and loved ones, as well as the men and women who served alongside them, who feel the greatest pain and we offer them our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.