The soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device after returning from an operation in support of an Afghan National Army Company, alongside C Company of the Danish Battle Group, to disrupt insurgent activity and search compounds of interest in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said:
"It is with very great sadness that I have to inform you of the deaths of two soldiers from 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
"The soldiers had been conducting a partnered operation with the Afghan National Army and the Danish Battle Group during which they had successfully disrupted insurgent activity and searched a number of compounds in the Nahr-e Saraj district of central Helmand.
"On completion of the operation their patrol had just left an ISAF base in order to return to their own camp - to commence their handover to the next unit before they were due to return home in six days - when the vehicle in which the two soldiers were travelling was struck by an improvised explosive device.
"Both men were recovered to an ISAF base; however, tragically, both had lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends."
The soldiers' families have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.