The families of two British servicemen killed in Afghanistan have spoken of their "immense pride".
Lance Corporal Nigel Moffett, of the Light Dragoons, from Belfast, and Corporal Stephen Bolger, of 1 Para were killed while on operations in Musa Qala in Helmand province on Saturday morning.
The deaths took the number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 165.
Mr Moffett's father, also called Nigel, said: "Nigel felt he was prepared for operations in that he was well trained and had the right tools for the job. Both he and his family understood that ultimately he could die although we didn't want this to happen. Ultimately, Nigel was a soldier."
In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence, Mr Bolger's family said: "We can take some comfort knowing that he died amongst friends, doing something he loved and believed in. We are all immensely proud of him."
Mr Moffett, a 28-year-old who had lost his mother, and Mr Bolger, whose hometown and age were not disclosed, were killed in the same explosion.
Mr Bolger's commanding officer, whose identity has also been kept secret, said: "Stephen was, quite simply, an extraordinary man doing an extraordinary job. He embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice - the life of a soldier. He chose this life and lived it with a passion; he died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved."
His family added: "Stephen was a wonderful first born son, brother to two and friend to many; he was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Stephen was always happy, caring and generous and we are sure that those fortunate enough to have known him will share in the loss we are now feeling."
Mr Moffett, from the Holywood area of Belfast, had served in Afghanistan and Iraq since joining the army in 2003. He was a fitness enthusiast who boxed, cross country skied, hill-walked and played rugby, the MoD said.
Mr Moffett will be remembered as a "tough, brave soldier who was an excellent member of the team from the outset", his colleagues added.
