THE duties of Colchester soldiers in Afghanistan will continue unabated despite the deaths of three Paras in a suicide bombing, it was vowed today.

Annie Davidson

THE duties of Colchester soldiers in Afghanistan will continue unabated despite the deaths of three Paras in a suicide bombing, it was vowed today.

Major Aidan Coogan, regimental adjutant of the Parachute Regiment, said the tragedy which happened yesterday and seriously injured a fourth soldier would only make their colleagues more determined to continue their work.

The men from 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, were on a routine foot patrol near their base in Helmand Province when they were caught up in the explosion.

Major Coogan said: “We in the Parachute Regiment are deeply saddened by the events in Afghanistan with 2 Para over the weekend and at this time our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed.

“Our prayers are also with the family of the fourth soldier injured in the incident.

“2 Para are one of the battlegroups serving with 16 Air Assault Brigade and since their deployment in April this year have displayed an exceptionally high level of professionalism in the conduct of operations in Afghanistan.

“This has been possible because of their training, high morale and positive attitude in every aspect of what they do.

“Although the deaths of three colleagues will have come as a blow it will not affect their mission or their morale.

“Indeed it will make them more determined to continue with the good progress that has been made in Afghanistan.”