British troops are poised to launch a major onslaught against the Taliban as comrades hailed the bravery of two soldiers killed elsewhere in Afghanistan.
Relatives of Corporal John Moore, 22, and Private Sean McDonald, 26, spoke of their "devastation" after soldiers described how the pair were killed by an explosion while on patrol in Sangin on Sunday.
The tributes were paid as defence sources said the heavily-trailed Operation Moshtarak was reaching the final "shaping phase". British forces are joining Afghan and US allies in rooting out Taliban insurgents from their stronghold in the town of Marjah in Helmand province.
Cpl Moore, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, and Pte McDonald, who was born in Toronto but went to school in Edinburgh, were "professional, courageous, selfless, and committed - true infantry soldiers", Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said.
Cpl Moore, from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was commanding his section on a routine night patrol when a roadside bomb detonated, killing him and Pte McDonald.
Mr Ainsworth added: "Hearing about these two brave men, I am filled with admiration for their courage and loyalty."
Cpl Moore's relatives said they were "devastated". A statement from the family said: "Johnathan was a proud Scottish soldier who was doing a job that he loved - he will be sadly missed by a loving and very proud family. The Army and his family were Johnathan's life we are devastated at our loss."
Pte McDonald, who had a wife, Jennifer, will be "desperately missed", his mother Jacqueline McDonald said. She added: "My son was so proud to be a soldier. He will be desperately missed by all family and friends. This tragedy has left a hole in our lives and a hole in our heart. Sleep well baby boy."
The heavily-trailed Operation Moshtarak is expected to start imminently. There are currently 30,000 international troops and 10,000 Afghans in Helmand province.
Mr Ainsworth warned of a "very real risk" that British lives will be lost during the fighting to come, and a senior Army officer agreed the prospect of casualties "can't be discounted".
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