British forces deaths hit 300
THE deaths of two Royal Marines in an explosion today brought the combined toll of British forces in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq to 300.
The marines were killed on a routine patrol with local Afghan forces in the Garmsir district in Helmand province when they came under apparent attack. It takes the British toll in Afghanistan alone to 124, including 15 marines.
The marines, who served with the Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade, were both working in information operations, giving information to local Afghan people. It is not known if their vehicle was hit by a landmine, a roadside bomb or an old "legacy mine" from past conflicts.
