Two more British soldiers have died in Iraq. It brings the total number of deaths of British military personnel so far to 113.
-----------------------------------------------
Times Online May 29, 2006
Two British troops killed by roadside bomb in Basra
By Times Online and agencies
Two British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq last night, the Ministry of Defence said today.
The men, members of the Queen's Dragoon Guards, were on a routine patrol in the north-west of Basra when their armoured Land Rover was hit by the homemade device at 9.30pm local time (1830 BST).
Two other British troops were injured in the blast which is the latest in an upsurge of violence against British forces in the port city. Their deaths bring the number of British personnel killed in the area to nine this month, and 113 since the invasion of March 2003.
No one has claimed responsibility but suspicion has fallen on the Mahdi Army, a militia loyal to the radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr who has demanded withdrawal of coalition troops from the region.
The attack came a day after British and Iraqi forces seized their largest haul yet of bomb-making equipment and weapons from militias intent on prolonging the sectarian violence.
A spokesman for the MoD said: "The next of kin of those killed have been informed and they have asked for a period of time to come to terms with their tragic news. We will release further information as it becomes available."
Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, said: "It was with profound sorrow that I heard of the tragic deaths last night of two British soldiers.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these brave men. I am told that two other soldiers have sustained minor injuries.
"The incident took place in North West Basra City and appears to be an improvised explosive device, but you will understand that I cannot comment further until more information becomes available."
The names of the two men are not expected to be released until tomorrow.
Two British privates, Adam Morris, 19, and Joseva Lewaicei, 25, died in a roadside bomb attack near the city just over a fortnight ago.
There were also clashes between local people and British forces earlier this month after a Lynx helicopter was brought down in an apparent rocket attack. Five military personnel died in the crash, and several Iraqis were reportedly killed in the ensuing riots.
thetimesonline.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------
Times Online May 29, 2006
Two British troops killed by roadside bomb in Basra
By Times Online and agencies
Two British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq last night, the Ministry of Defence said today.
The men, members of the Queen's Dragoon Guards, were on a routine patrol in the north-west of Basra when their armoured Land Rover was hit by the homemade device at 9.30pm local time (1830 BST).
Two other British troops were injured in the blast which is the latest in an upsurge of violence against British forces in the port city. Their deaths bring the number of British personnel killed in the area to nine this month, and 113 since the invasion of March 2003.
No one has claimed responsibility but suspicion has fallen on the Mahdi Army, a militia loyal to the radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr who has demanded withdrawal of coalition troops from the region.
The attack came a day after British and Iraqi forces seized their largest haul yet of bomb-making equipment and weapons from militias intent on prolonging the sectarian violence.
A spokesman for the MoD said: "The next of kin of those killed have been informed and they have asked for a period of time to come to terms with their tragic news. We will release further information as it becomes available."
Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, said: "It was with profound sorrow that I heard of the tragic deaths last night of two British soldiers.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these brave men. I am told that two other soldiers have sustained minor injuries.
"The incident took place in North West Basra City and appears to be an improvised explosive device, but you will understand that I cannot comment further until more information becomes available."
The names of the two men are not expected to be released until tomorrow.
Two British privates, Adam Morris, 19, and Joseva Lewaicei, 25, died in a roadside bomb attack near the city just over a fortnight ago.
There were also clashes between local people and British forces earlier this month after a Lynx helicopter was brought down in an apparent rocket attack. Five military personnel died in the crash, and several Iraqis were reportedly killed in the ensuing riots.
thetimesonline.co.uk