TWO British soldiers killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan are expected to be named today.

The Ministry of Defence said the soldiers, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died in the blast near Sangin in Helmand Province on Friday.

Their families were informed.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "They were on a foot patrol protecting the local population from insurgents when the attack happened. Their boldness in the face of danger, and the sacrifice they have made, will be remembered."

The latest casualties take the number of British service personnel who have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 to 249.

Speaking in Sangin before the two soldiers were killed, their commanding officer said his men were making clear progress despite the high number of fatalities and casualties.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion The Rifles Battlegroup, said: "Inevitably morale takes a bit of a dip when these things happen, when guys are killed, and some of the horrific injuries that are inflicted as well. Clearly it has an effect.

"But I like to think that this battle group has been fantastic at maintaining its morale.

"I'm very clear that we cannot afford to be knocked back by these things. We all understand that these are an inevitable part of our job.

"The casualties are tough but the guys are prepared for them and they know that the only thing they can do is dust themselves off and carry on."