Two British soldiers have been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan six days before they were due back in the UK, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The MoD said the men had been searching compounds to disrupt insurgent activity

The troops, from 1st Battalion Irish Guards, were killed when their vehicle hit by a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Their families have been told of the deaths, which happened on Wednesday.

The victims were returning from an operation where they had been searching compounds alongside troops from the Afghan National Army and C Company of the Danish Battle Group.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with very great sadness that I have to inform you of the deaths of two soldiers from 1st Battalion Irish Guards."

He added: "The soldiers had been conducting a partnered operation with the Afghan National Army and the Danish Battle Group.

"They had successfully disrupted insurgent activity and searched a number of compounds in the Nahr-e Saraj district of central Helmand."

The soldiers were on their way back to their own camp to hand over to another unit before they returned home next week, when the vehicle was struck by the device.

Lt Col Purbrick said: "Both men were recovered to an Isaf base, however, tragically, both had lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends."

The deaths bring the total number of UK military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 362.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Afghan forces are to take control of security in Lashkar Gah in July in a major step towards the withdrawal of British troops from the country.

Date : 24-03-2011