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Four soldiers die in Afghanistan Four soldiers die in Afghanistan
(20 minutes later)
Four British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan after their vehicle was caught in an explosion, the Ministry of Defence has said. Four UK soldiers, one believed to be a woman, have been killed in Afghanistan after their vehicle was caught in an explosion, the MoD has said.
The explosion happened east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.The explosion happened east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.
Three of the soldiers were killed in the blast and another was pronounced dead at the Camp Bastion medical base. Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised the dead soldiers' "bravery, dedication and professionalism".
The dead soldiers' next-of-kin have been informed. The deaths take the number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 106.The dead soldiers' next-of-kin have been informed. The deaths take the number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 106.
Three of the soldiers were killed in the blast and another was pronounced dead at the Camp Bastion medical base.
One of the dead soldiers was a member of the Intelligence Corps, the MoD said.One of the dead soldiers was a member of the Intelligence Corps, the MoD said.
A fifth soldier wounded in the attack, which happened at 1540 local time on Tuesday, is in a stable condition.A fifth soldier wounded in the attack, which happened at 1540 local time on Tuesday, is in a stable condition.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the four brave British soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan and will be deeply mourned.
"They were in the most dangerous of jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.
"I salute not just their bravery, dedication and professionalism but that of all our armed forces. Our troops are the best in the world and fighting for the noblest of causes."
Brig Gen Carlos Branco, from the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) in Afghanistan, said: "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family and friends of the brave soldiers who were killed today.Brig Gen Carlos Branco, from the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) in Afghanistan, said: "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family and friends of the brave soldiers who were killed today.
"These soldiers died and were wounded trying to help bring peace and security for the Afghan people.""These soldiers died and were wounded trying to help bring peace and security for the Afghan people."
Defence Secretary Des Browne announced this week that British troop numbers in Afghanistan will rise by 230 to a new high of more than 8,000 by next spring.Defence Secretary Des Browne announced this week that British troop numbers in Afghanistan will rise by 230 to a new high of more than 8,000 by next spring.