A SOLDIER from an Edinburgh-based battalion has died on patrol in Afghanistan.

The man, who has not yet been named, was on patrol in the Nad e Ali district of Helmand province on Thursday when he was injured in enemy action. He died later that day, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Major Ian Lawrence said: "It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles has died as a result of injuries sustained while on patrol in the Nad e Ali district of Helmand province.

"The thoughts and prayers of all in the task force are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

The MoD also confirmed a second soldier had died on patrol yesterday. He belonged to 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment, and was killed as a result of injuries sustained by enemy action while also on duty in the Nad e Ali district.

Major Lawrence said: "The death of this brave engineer will be felt deeply by his family, friends and all those who served alongside him. We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to them at this difficult time."

The soldiers' families have been informed and they have asked for a 24-hour period of grace before further details are released.

The deaths bring the total number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 424.

Earlier, the International Security Assistance Force said three US soldiers were killed in an incident in south-west Afghanistan.