The British death toll in Afghanistan reached the 100 mark yesterday after three soldiers of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment were killed by a suicide bomber during a patrol in Helmand province in the south.

The suicide attack, the first this year against British soldiers, happened in the Upper Sangin Valley in the north of the province, the location of many of the fatalities since thousands of reinforcements were sent to Helmand to confront the Taleban in 2006.

Although the 100 dead include 26 who died of noncombat injuries, vehicle accidents, or as the result of illness, the symbolic total will serve as a grim reminder of the daily dangers faced by the troops who have been operating in Afghanistan since 2001, but on a large scale since the spring of 2006. There are 7,800 troops now in Afghanistan.

Since 2006 the British troops have scored significant successes against the Taleban, killing many of them and driving them out of key areas. After confrontations in 2006 and 2007, a diminished Taleban force, backed by foreign fighters, switched tactics and adopted the strategy of the insurgents in Iraq, resorting to suicide attacks and roadside bombs.

The 14 killed this year, including the three from 2 Para, all died from this latest form of insurgency. The 11 others were killed by mine explosions and roadside bombs.

The century death toll in Iraq was reached in January 2006, when the number of fatal casualties in Afghanistan was only five.

In yesterday’s incident four soldiers were injured and were evacuated by Chinook helicopter to Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand, for emergency treatment. One was pronounced dead on arrival and another two later died from their wounds. The fourth soldier was not seriously wounded.

Last night Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, paid tribute to the 100 “brave and professional servicemen” who have died in Afghanistan. He said that he reflected on the most recent deaths with “both a sense of deep sadness and pride” as he asserted that the military effort was starting to achieve real change.

Sir Jock added: “Every one of those deaths is a tragedy. Nothing can ever compensate for the loss felt by their loved ones and to them all I extend my deepest sympathies.

“I only hope that the terrible hardship that they have been asked to bear can be eased by the certainty that in Afghanistan our forces are engaged in a most worthy and noble endeavour.

“Nowhere is the battle for the future of Afghanistan more pressing than in Helmand, the focus of the British effort, where UK forces have magnificently taken the fight to the Taleban and put them on the back foot,” he said.

“Make no mistake, the Taleban influence is waning, and through British blood, determination and grit, a window of opportunity has been opened.”

Despite the words of optimism, the troops based in Helmand know that the Taleban remain a significant threat. Britain has also given a commitment to stay in Afghanistan for the long term, and, unofficially, ministers have indicated that some military presence may be needed there for 20 or 30 years, although not at the present strength.

Last night Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, expressed his sympathy for the relatives, comrades and friends of the three soldiers killed. Their next of kin have been informed.

He said: “My thoughts at this time are also with the loved ones of each and every one of the 100 courageous members of the British Armed Forces who have now lost their lives in Afghanistan. They gave their lives securing freedom and stability, not just for the people of Afghanistan but, as the tragic events of 9/11 showed, for all of us. We will never forget them.”

Kandahar Abdul Samad Rohani, an Afghan journalist working for the BBC World Service, was found dead in southern Afghanistan with a gunshot wound to the head. Insurgents killed 15 others, including 11 police, officials said. (AP)

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