Three British soldiers killed in afghanistan blast

LONDON, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- Three British soldiers were killed by an enemy improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday.
The soldiers, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, were hit by a blast in Gereshk district in Helmand Province during an escort operation this morning, the Ministry of Defence said.
An emergency helicopter was scrambled but all three were pronounced dead.
Next of kin have been informed.
Commander Paula Rowe, spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Today has been incredibly sad for the whole of Task Force Helmand, and particularly for The Rifles.
"We will all feel the loss of these brave soldiers, whose role was to build the capacity of the Afghan National Army.
"But it is their family, friends and loved ones, as well as the men and women who served alongside them, who feel the greatest pain and we offer them our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers".
The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said the soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device.
Isaf spokesman Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette said: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of these soldiers and offer our condolences to their grieving families.
"Their valiant efforts will not be forgotten, and spurs us to continue our vital mission to bring security to the people of Afghanistan".
It was the worst loss of life in a single incident for UK forces since December.
The deaths take the number of British servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 148. (end) oas.rk KUNA 252010 Feb 09NNNN