Three RAF servicemen have been killed after encountering an "indirect fire attack" in Basra, southern Iraq, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Two of the men were from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, while the other served with 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

Next of kin have already been informed, the spokeswoman added.

Following the latest fatalities, the total number of UK service personnel killed during operations in Iraq now stands at 162.

An MoD spokeswoman said: "They were killed today in an indirect fire attack on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq.

"For operational security reasons we are unable to give any further details."

Earlier, the MoD announced that the number of British troops in Iraq will be cut to 5,000 by the end of 2007.

Troop numbers were cut from 7,100 to the current 5,500 earlier this year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6907641.stm