Two killed in 'green on blue' attack

30 October 2012

Two British soldiers have been shot dead by a rogue Afghan policeman in an attack at a checkpoint in Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The two, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, were at a checkpoint in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand when the attack took place.

The deaths take the total number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 437.

Major Laurence Roche, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "I am saddened to report the deaths of two soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles who were shot and killed by a man wearing Afghan Police uniform at a checkpoint in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

"The loss of these soldiers is a huge blow to the Royal Gurkha Rifles and everyone serving in Task Force Helmand. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow Gurkhas at this time."

The soldiers' next of kin have been informed.