11:10/31:05:2009

KABUL (PAN): Two International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members were killed as a result of an insurgent attack in volatile southern Afghanistan , the NATO-led force announced here late Saturday night.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of these courageous service members. ISAF is mourning the loss of two respected colleagues, said Captain Mark Durkin Royal Navy, ISAF spokesperson.

We pay tribute to the sacrifice of these brave warriors, who have given all whilst helping to provide a brighter future for the Afghan people, the spokesperson was quoted as saying in a brief statement from ISAF.

Next of kin had been notified, added the press release that gave no further details of the assault. But the Defense Ministry in London said the two British soldiers were killed by an explosion in the Taliban-infested Helmand province.

One of the fallen soldiers was from the Light Dragoons and the other from the Parachute Regiment, the ministry said, adding they were serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force. The soldiers were killed during a patrol near the militant stronghold of Musa Qala. With Saturday's deaths, the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 has gone up to 165. The soldiers have not been named as yet but their relatives have been informed.