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Two British soldiers die in Iraq Two British soldiers die in Iraq
(about 2 hours later)
Two British soldiers have been killed in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence said.Two British soldiers have been killed in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence said.
The soldiers died when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated next to their patrol west of Basra, southern Iraq, just after midnight on Thursday.The soldiers died when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated next to their patrol west of Basra, southern Iraq, just after midnight on Thursday.
The next of kin of the two dead soldiers, who were from 1st Battalion the Irish Guards, have been informed.The next of kin of the two dead soldiers, who were from 1st Battalion the Irish Guards, have been informed.
A serviceman killed separately in Iraq on Tuesday has been named as Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, of No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment.A serviceman killed separately in Iraq on Tuesday has been named as Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, of No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment.
British forces have suffered 41 fatalities in Iraq in 2007, including four this week.
The latest deaths bring the total number of UK personnel killed while in Iraq to 168.The latest deaths bring the total number of UK personnel killed while in Iraq to 168.
The soldiers were attacked to the north of the Rumaylah oil fields. Another two soldiers were seriously injured in the incident.The soldiers were attacked to the north of the Rumaylah oil fields. Another two soldiers were seriously injured in the incident.
British forces have suffered four fatalities in Iraq so far this week.
'Exceptionally gifted''Exceptionally gifted'
LAC Beard, 20, was taking part in a routine foot patrol in the Al Waki district north of the British base at Basra air station.LAC Beard, 20, was taking part in a routine foot patrol in the Al Waki district north of the British base at Basra air station.
He sustained a gunshot wound when the patrol came under attack as it moved through Al Waki market, and was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital.He sustained a gunshot wound when the patrol came under attack as it moved through Al Waki market, and was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital.
LAC Beard, of Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, leaves a family and fiancee.LAC Beard, of Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, leaves a family and fiancee.
His commanding officer, Sqn Ldr Jason Sutton, said: "Strong, fit and an exceptionally gifted infantryman, he had such a bright future and had already set his sights on selection for special forces.His commanding officer, Sqn Ldr Jason Sutton, said: "Strong, fit and an exceptionally gifted infantryman, he had such a bright future and had already set his sights on selection for special forces.
"I have no doubt whatsoever he would have succeeded in that as he did in all else."I have no doubt whatsoever he would have succeeded in that as he did in all else.
"He was due to marry upon his return from Iraq and we all feel so deeply for his fiancee, Nic.""He was due to marry upon his return from Iraq and we all feel so deeply for his fiancee, Nic."
Defence Secretary Des Browne expressed his condolences to LAC Beard's family, friends and colleagues.Defence Secretary Des Browne expressed his condolences to LAC Beard's family, friends and colleagues.
Mr Browne said: "Leading Aircraftman Beard was a very popular and highly promising young man who was a credit to the Royal Air Force Regiment."Mr Browne said: "Leading Aircraftman Beard was a very popular and highly promising young man who was a credit to the Royal Air Force Regiment."