Two British soldiers have been killed while carrying out a patrol in Iraq.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the deaths, which happened in the southern Iraqi province of Maysan.
He said: "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of two soldiers from the Queen's Royal Lancers, killed by an improvised explosive device in Maysan Province, south east Iraq, at approximately 1120 local time this morning.
"The soldiers were on a routine patrol in a Scimitar armoured vehicle when they were hit by the blast.
"Three further soldiers were injured, one of them very seriously.
"All casualties were taken by helicopter to Tallil airbase in Dhi Qar province where they are receiving the best possible medical care."
The deaths come just one day after Iraqi authorities took control of security enforcement in Maysan.
The Queen's Royal Lancers, who are based in Catterick, North Yorkshire, are currently nearing the end of a six-month tour of Iraq.
They have been carrying out patrols in Maysan province in their Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles, which carry a 30mm Rarden cannon for self-defence.
Maysan, which borders Iran, is in the south east of Iraq but is north of the area where the Army has its main presence - Basra.
