By KUNA,
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute Monday to the 100 British troops killed in Afghanistan since 2001 after a suicide blast claimed another three soldiers’ lives.
The sad milestone came when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive device as a foot patrol from the Parachute Regiment was returning to base yesterday.
Brown said in a statement “My first thoughts and condolences are with the families of these soldiers, who died serving in Afghanistan with such distinction.
“I want to pay tribute to the courage of all the 100 British troops who have given their lives in Afghanistan in the service of their country.
“The risks they bear and the sacrifices they make should be in our thoughts, not just today, but every day.
“They have paid the ultimate price, but they have achieved something of lasting value, helping turn a lawless region sheltering terrorists into an emerging democracy,” the statement added.
Brown continued “I do not believe democracy in Afghanistan would have survived without NATO and UN support, and British forces have been on the frontline of that international effort, and have acquitted themselves with great bravery and professionalism.” Four soldiers were injured in the attack yesterday in the Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand Province and evacuated to Camp Bastion for treatment.
One was pronounced dead on arrival and, despite medics’ efforts, another two died from their wounds.
The fourth soldier is expected to make a good recovery.
It was the biggest single loss of life in Afghanistan since August last year, when three soldiers were killed after a US fighter aircraft dropped a bomb on them as they battled insurgents.
News of the 100th fatality revived calls from some quarters for all British troops to be pulled out of the troubled country, but Armed Forces chiefs and senior MPs spoke of their pride in the sacrifice made by UK service personnel and the value of their mission.
Chief of the UK Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup asserted that the British military effort in Afghanistan was starting to bring real change.
He said “Every one of those deaths is a tragedy. Nothing can ever compensate for the loss felt by their loved ones, and to them all I extend my deepest sympathies.
“I only hope that the terrible hardship that they have been asked to bear can be eased by the certainty that in Afghanistan, our forces are engaged in a most worthy and noble endeavour.”
Meanwhile, Britains Defence Secretary Des Browne expressed his sympathy for the relatives, comrades, and friends of the three soldiers killed yesterday.
He said the 9/11 attacks on America demonstrated how all 100 British military personnel killed in Afghanistan had given their lives securing freedom and stability for everyone.
Browne also spoke of the “awe and admiration” for the courage and dedication of British troops felt by all visitors to Afghanistan.
“As a nation, we have always been supremely proud of our Armed Forces, and with considerable justification. Quite simply, they exemplify the very best qualities of the human spirit,” he said.
“They have transformed the heartland of the Taliban from an area of lawless oppression and terrorism to a place of democracy and development,” the Defence Secretary added.
Of the 100 British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001, 74 died as a result of hostile action.
The remaining 26 died from illness, accidents, and non-combat injuries, or have not yet been formally assigned a cause of death.