Sunday, two people from the 1st Battalion, [...]]]> Over the past two days three more soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan by bombs. This brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in the Afghanistan conflict up to 256 which is one more soldier than was lost in 1982 in the Falkland Islands.

Sunday, two people from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Royal Scots Borderers died while near the Helmand province on foot patrol. Yesterday another soldier was killed near Nad-e-Ali in the Southern area of Helmand while attempting to clear the area of explosive devices.

The men’s names have not yet been released but their family members have been notified.

A spokesman for the Royal Scots stated that the two soldiers on foot patrol were helping the local people with security when an explosion caught them off guard. The spokesman continued to say that while they were cruelly taken; their fortitude and bravery will be remembered.

The men were killed the night before the NATO ground forces launched what is touted as the largest offensive by the group since 2001. The offensive is known as Operation Mastarak and is allegedly going to include about 10,000 troops in an effort to take back Marja from the Taleban.

In an unusual fashion, western commanders have made their decision widely known so that civilians in the area have the chance to vacate the area before action commences.

Commander of Helmand UK forces, Brigadier James Cowan, stated that the aim is to make sure that innocent people are safe.