Eight British soldiers killed in 24 hours

by thomps | July 11, 2009 at 03:29 am

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Eight British soldiers killed in 24 hours?? Where and How?

Its Again Afghanistan where 8 British soldiers killed in two separate blasts on the same patrol near Sangin.

Five British soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, were killed in two separate blasts on the same patrol near Sangin. Next of kin have been informed.

Earlier, a serviceman from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment died near Nad-e-Ali in Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

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albertacowpoke

at 03:46 on July 11th, 2009

This picture shows Canadian troops with the flag draped caskets of the tow soldiers killed in the helicopter crash this week. This would be just prior to the ramp ceremony.

albertacowpoke

at 04:27 on July 11th, 2009

The British military's death toll in Afghanistan surpassed the number of lives claimed in Iraq on Friday, as eight soldiers died in separate attacks in the past 24 hours.

The Ministry of Defence said five soldiers were killed by an explosive device while on patrol in Helmand province.

Three other combat deaths were announced earlier in the day, making it one of the worst days for British forces since the Afghan war began seven years ago.

The names of the soldiers have not been released, but next of kin have been notified, the ministry said.

Friday's fresh casualties mean 15 British soldiers have been killed in the last 10 days as fighting in Helmand Province intensifies.

Speaking at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended the Afghan mission, his voice faltering as he expressed sympathy to the families of those who have been killed in recent days.

"Our resolution to complete the work we have started is undiminished," he said. "It is in tribute to the members of our forces who have given their lives that we should succeed in the efforts we have begun."

But Brown also warned it has been "a very hard summer, and it is not over."

The latest casualties take Britain's death toll in Afghanistan to 184. A total of 179 British military personnel have been killed in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Babel-Fish

at 06:44 on July 11th, 2009

Lets forget the politician's that caused this war of which was more called for than the Iraq one and for get the oil and gas pipes. Put our attention on the brave souls having to fight a battle against terror on both battle front. Many have died in the name of patriotism and for people suffering from a loss of freedom in the grip of terrorism and fanaticism. These guys and girls lay their lives on the line for their country and for world freedom.

The Taliban have to be defeated, someone has to do the job its messy and a hard slog people will die and be maimed not only soldiers but innocent civilians and of course the enemy. War is a very nasty business, its cruel and its callous it ruins life's and many people will mourn. These poor soldiers were very unlucky. They should never be looked at as statistics they were flesh and blood the collateral of two wars that some will see as being for right or for the wrong reason. However they died like many others that bravely put their life's on the line.

I salute them and my heart goes out for the family friends and love ones, each one I know will be sorely missed. If these soldiers were sent to these wars for unjust reasons as some of us think I curse the politicians and the cooperate puppet masters and wish them hell.

I have served with the Green Jackets (R.A.P.C.) many years ago and of course very sad about this bad news.

albertacowpoke

at 08:12 on July 11th, 2009

Babel, did you know that the Green Jackets and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, my Regiment, are Sister Regiment?

politisite

at 15:11 on July 11th, 2009

Good analysis Babel. These folks who are dieing have no political stake... they are fighting for freedom of the Afghans. Anyone who knows the history of this area knows the tribal warfare is problematic. Some of the weapons that are shooting our soldiers are left over from the CIA proxy war against the USSR. It bothers me that many of the AKs were provided through Back channels in our fight to destroy the soviets. Now those same weapons and training are coming back to kill our own folks... just because we did not have the vision to help rebuild and stay the course to help the Afghans restore. We ran out on them and we are now paying the price. The Afghans learned that we were more interested in Killing off the soviets then helping the people in Afghanistan. When will our leaders learn from history?

God bless these troops and their families. I hope for an end to this war

Rory Cripps

at 07:26 on July 11th, 2009

British, Canadian, and U.S. service personnel have taken the brunt of the hits in Afghanistan. I don't like what's going on there one bit! I especially don't like the politically correct constraints that the politicians have placed on the troops.The constraints only get more soldiers killed and make it easier for the enemy to accomplish its mission. This has been proven time and time again. You cannot fight a war in a politically correct manner and hope to win. But in any event, and given the history of Afghanistan, what makes anyone think that Afghanistan is winnable? God Bless those that served and have paid the sacrifice. They did it out of honor and duty to their country and fellow citizens . . . .

Laughing-Samurai (not verified)

at 07:45 on July 11th, 2009

The cost of freedom is very high, but not as high as not having it! The troops are not fighting Afghanistan, they are fighting the Taliban, a sworn enemy of the west and freedom.

Rory Cripps

at 08:37 on July 11th, 2009

Laughing Samurai, HA! Whose freedom are you referring to? I think that the troops are fighting Afghanistans--many of which identify themselves as Taliban. I also think that the current crop of military brass has, in many cases, sold our fighting men and women down the river in the name of political correctness and for purposes of career advancement. Consequent to the new "rules of engagement" I wouldn't be surprised if re-enlistments drop off. I'd hate like hell to have to tell a family that their loved one died because the ROE prevented him from firing back at the enemy. The political powers-that-be have turned the military into the equivalent of a global police department subject to the same constraints that any typical local police department in America is subjected to. I don't know what these politically-correct whackos and megalomaniacs, that serve in government and formulate military policy, are up to, but in my opinion, whatever they're up to is not good for those that serve in the military.

158

at 10:03 on July 11th, 2009

This shows once again the Afghan war is far from order.

albertacowpoke

at 10:12 on July 11th, 2009

Here is an interesting article by Brian Stewart, Senior Correspondent with the CBC. How Foreigners are Screwing up Afghanistan. I think he has it right.

ZoeChristina (not verified)

at 14:33 on July 11th, 2009

R.I.P to the fallen soldiers, you fight for our country to protect many people you haven't yet known and it's their loss you no longer will. You may have left us but your all still in our memory, and will never be forgotten, and you deserve all the respect in our hearts. Sleep tight soldiers

albertacowpoke

at 14:46 on July 11th, 2009

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts Zoe.

politisite

at 15:04 on July 11th, 2009

While the MSM googles over Obama and MJ they are ignoring what you have brought here, The war in Afghanistan is taking a large toll on all our troops. Canada, Brtian, and others are paying a high price as the Taliban are a difficult group to stop.

I am sad to see the war being pushed back and under reported as these heroes die