The Hindu : Friendly fire claims 2 more lives

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 27, 2003

International

International

Friendly fire claims 2 more lives

LONDON MARCH 26. Two British soldiers were killed in a `friendly fire' incident near Basra in southern Iraq, a British military commander has said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through the Ministry of Defence in London, Col. Chris Vernon said the two men died when their Challenger II tank was mistakenly targeted by another Challenger crew on Monday evening.

Another two soldiers were seriously injured in the incident.

"It is with regret that I have to announce the death of two soldiers of the Queen's Royal Lancers, part of the 1st Royal Regiment of Fusiliers battle group," Col. Vernon said.

``The soldiers were tragically killed last night in a friendly fire incident during a period of multiple engagements from enemy forces on the outskirts of Basra.''

The deaths bring to 20 the tally of British servicemen killed since conflict began.

Two soldiers have been killed in combat both near Az Zubayr, close to Basra. Another 16 British soldiers have been killed in two helicopter accidents and a ``friendly fire'' shooting.

``Regardless of the careful planning and measures taken in the type of operations in which we were engaged and in the heat of battle, there is always a risk that incidents such as this might happen,'' Col. Vernon said.

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