FACTBOX - Security developments in Afghanistan

(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 8:30 a.m. British time on Thursday:

HELMAND - An explosion killed three British soldiers during an operation in Girishk district, 530 km (330 miles) southwest of Kabul Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said.

HELMAND - A British Royal Marine died in hospital in Britain Wednesday of wounds he sustained from insurgent fire while on patrol in Sangin, 490 km (305 miles) southwest of Kabul, the Ministry of Defence said.

HELMAND - Helmand Deputy Governor Hajji Abdul Sattar and NATO-led and Afghan security forces have launched a joint investigation into the death of civilians during an engagement between NATO-led forces and insurgents Monday, the alliance said.

(Compiled by Jonathon Burch; Editing by Paul Tait)