LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Four British soldiers were killed in two separate incidents in Afghanistan on Friday, the Defence Ministry said. Both incidents occurred in southern Helmand province, a volatile region of the country. "Today is an incredibly sad day for Task Force Helmand," said Commander Paula Rowe, a military spokeswoman. "The tragic deaths of these Royal Marines have come as a huge blow to us all." The deaths raise the number of British troops killed in the Afghan conflict since it began in late 2001 to more than 130, according to Defence Ministry figures. Britain has about 8,300 troops based in Afghanistan, most of them stationed in Helmand, a vast desert province where the Taliban remain strong. (Reporting by Christina Fincher)
People stand beside burnt military vehicles on the outskirts of Peshawar December 7, 2008. Hordes of Pakistani militants set on fire 96 trucks carrying Humvees and military vehicles for Western forces ...
