Black Watch soldiers die in suicide attack

Mr Ingram told a news conference at the Ministry of Defence that an Iraqi civilian interpreter had also been killed in the incident and eight other soldiers injured.

They were the first combat casualties to be suffered by the regiment since its controversial deployment to support US troops around the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Mr Ingram said the troops had been targeted by a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device" in a suicide attack.

Shortly afterwards, the position came under mortar fire.

The attack, at about 1pm local time, came as British troops crossed for the first time into the dangerous territory east of the River Euphrates, which had marked the boundary of their deployment.

The east bank of the river had been controlled by the US marines, but was turned over to the Black Watch after repeated rocket attacks on their Camp Dogwood base launched from the far side of the river.

Mr Ingram said it would be a matter for commanders on the ground whether or not they continued to patrol on the east bank.

The Ministry of Defence said the incident was not linked to an overnight ambush in which a Warrior armoured troop carrier was hit by a roadside bomb and a second mortared and forced off the road.

Although it was the first time British soldiers in Iraq have been killed in a suicide attack, Mr Ingram said such incidents could have occurred anywhere in the country.

"We always knew that there were risks involved in these engagements, but this is for the Iraqi people," he said.

"Is it a price worth paying? Well, the Iraqis are the best judge of that."

The incident threatened to reignite the bitter controversy over the deployment of the 850-strong Black Watch battle group to relieve US forces preparing for the expected all-out assault on the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, whose party opposed the Iraq war, said it was an "extremely worrying and alarming time" for the families of the Scottish regiment.

Scottish Nationalist Party leader Alex Salmond was more outspoken, bitterly denouncing the "duplicity" of the ministers responsible for agreeing the deployment.

"There will be shock and grief across Scotland," he told Sky News. "But that will give way to a feeling of anger as we contrast the bravery of our soldiers with the duplicity of the politicians who sent them there."

Earlier, Mr Ingram told a sombre House of Commons: "I know I speak for the whole House when I say our thoughts are with our soldiers and their loved ones".

Tony Blair's official spokesman said the Prime Minister's thoughts were also with the Black Watch and their families.

It is understood that none of the survivors injured in the suicide attack was seriously hurt. They received medical support from US forces in the area.

The attack underlined the dangers facing Black Watch soldiers. They have faced daily rocket and mortar attacks since they began arriving at Camp Dogwood, 25 miles south-west of Baghdad, last week.

Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon warned that the level of insurgent attacks was likely to increase once the anticipated assault on Fallujah began.

The Black Watch is supposed to cut off the "rat runs" from the city, preventing insurgents escaping and supplies getting in.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Michael Walker, has also warned that the controversy over the deployment could make the Black Watch a target for the insurgents in an attempt to put pressure on the Government and undermine public support for the US-led coalition.

A former Black Watch officer, whose teenage grandson is serving in Iraq, said everyone connected with the regiment would mourn the dead soldiers.

Rob Scott said he was "sick to the guts" on hearing of the casualties.

Mr Scott, 61, also called on MPs to travel to Iraq in their next recess to experience the brutal reality of war.

Speaking from his home in Methil, Fife, he said: "They would not know a Triangle of Death if it hit them in the face."