LONDON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Three British soldiers were killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, Britain's Defence Ministry said.

A ministry statement said the three servicemen were on foot patrol in Helmand province, where British troops have stepped up operations to improve security before the presidential election on Aug. 20.

The deaths bring to 199 the number of British military fatalities in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led invasion in late 2001. (Reporting by Matt Falloon)

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