Three Paras killed in Afghanistan

Three soldiers who died when their vehicle was attacked in southern Afghanistan have been named by the MoD.

Private Kyle Adams, Corporal Kevin Mulligan and Lance Corporal Dale Thomas Hopkins, died north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on Thursday.

The men - who were from the Parachute Regiment and supported special forces - were killed when their Jackal armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said their loss "was a heavy blow".

Mr Ainsworth paid tribute to the dead soldiers, saying they were "highly gifted individuals at the forefront of their profession".

A fourth soldier was injured in Thursday's attack and remains in a critical condition.

I continue to be inspired by the incredible professionalism, bravery and commitment of our armed forces

Bob Ainsworth Defence Secretary

UK 'may have 40-year Afghan role'

Tributes

The family of Cpl Mulligan, 26, said he was the "light and love in our lives".

Colleagues described him as the "epitome of a professional soldier".

Meanwhile, L/Cpl Hopkins's family described the soldier, who was 23, as a "loving son and brother".

Their statement added: "We are so very proud of him and all that he achieved."

Private Adams's father said his son, 21, was "the life and soul of any party" and added that he would be "sorely missed".

His commanding officer added: "Always ready for the next challenge, he was a real team player, and indeed was a talented sportsman."

Mr Ainsworth added: "I continue to be inspired by the incredible professionalism, bravery and commitment of our armed forces."

Routine patrol

The men killed were understood to be part of the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) which was set up in April 2006.

They had been carrying out a routine security patrol with Afghan national security forces.

The 4x4 Jackal has been used in Afghanistan to offer troops better protection than the more lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover, but there have still been a number of fatalities involving the vehicle.

July saw more casualties than any other month for UK forces in Afghanistan, with 22 service personnel killed.

Troops are now involved in the second stage of Operation Panther's Claw, which the MoD says is focused on holding ground won from the Taliban in recent weeks.

Moreover, the incoming head of the Army Gen Sir David Richards has suggested that the UK's commitment to Afghanistan could last for up to 40 years.

He told the Times that the Army's role would evolve, but the process of "nation-building" would last decades.