LONDON – Two British soldiers were killed Monday in a blaze at the main British base in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence in London announced. The two servicemen from the Royal Logistics Corps were caught up in a fire that broke out at Camp Bastion in the restive Helmand Province, the MoD said, according to their initial indications.
The ministry said it believed no enemy action was involved. The deaths bring to 356 the number of British troops killed since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001. Of these, at least 312 were killed through hostile action. “This incident is now under investigation,” said Camp Bastion spokesman Wing Commander Martin Tinworth. “Both soldiers were involved in vital support work for the UK forces who continue to bring hope and stability across Afghanistan.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to both soldiers’ family and friends at this deeply sad time.” The soldiers’ next of kin have been informed. They are the seventh and eighth British army soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year. Britain has about 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, making it the second-largest contributor after the United States to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. They are based in central Helmand, battling Taliban insurgents and increasingly training local security forces.
