UK troops killed in Afghanistan

Their deaths take the number of UK forces to die in Afghanistan to 141

Two British servicemen have been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

A soldier from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and a marine from 45 Commando Royal Marines were killed by an explosion in Helmand province.

They were part of an operation against enemy forces on Wednesday night.

Their deaths take the number of British forces to die since the start of operations in October 2001 to 141. Next of kin have been informed.

The operation took place north-east of Gereshk in central Helmand.

Spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, Cdr Paula Rowe, said: "The tragic loss of these two brave servicemen is a bitter blow to Task Force Helmand.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and all those who served with them at this difficult time."

The marine is the 14th Royal Marine to be killed in Afghanistan in the last two months.

Marine Travis Mackin, aged 22, from Plymouth, died in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand on Sunday.

He was from the UK Landing Force Command Support Group operating as part of 45 Commando Royal Marines, which is based in Arbroath, Scotland.