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Three British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Tuesday, February 09, 2010
KABUL: Deaths of three soldiers over two days took the British toll in Afghanistan since 2001 to 256, one more than the number killed in the Falklands.

Two soldiers, from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were killed by an explosion in Sangin in Helmand Province on Sunday.

"They were on a foot patrol bringing security to local people when the explosion caught them. Two of our comrades have been cruelly taken from us, but their bravery and fortitude will not be forgotten," said a spokesman. On Monday a bomb disposal expert, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed by a blast as he cleared a path in Helmand.

The news is a new blow to Brown, who recently pledged 500 extra troops and hosted a London conference on Afghanistan, but is struggling to avoid defeat to the main opposition Conservatives in elections due by June.

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