British PM visits troops in southern Afghanistan

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British PM visits troops in southern Afghanistan

6 March 2010 100 views No Comment

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised British troops 200 new patrol vehicles that can resist roadside bombs more effectively during an unannounced visit Saturday to southern Afghanistan.

Brown made the trip to Camp Bastion in southern Helmand province to thank some of the 4,000 British soldiers who are involved in a 3-week-old NATO offensive to wrest control of the Taliban haven of Marjah from the insurgents.

“We will do everything we can to support you with the equipment necessary and the resources you need,” he told troops, according to the British Press Association.

Brown’s remarks focused on the battle against improvised explosive devices and the need to bolster training of the Afghan police force.

British officials will be announcing a $151 million investment in new British-built vehicles to replace Snatch Land Rovers, blamed by troops for many of the deaths caused by roadside bombs.

The new vehicles, which should arrive in Afghanistan by late 2011, have better armor and more maneuverability.

Another $27 million will be spent on metal detectors and training for Afghan forces to help them combat the roadside bombs commonly used by Taliban forces. Britain also is sending 150 new police and army trainers to help train Afghan police.

Recalling five British soldiers killed last year by an Afghan policeman they had been training, Brown acknowledged soldiers’ sacrifice, but said the effort to build up Afghanistan’s army and police force will be crucial to allowing the country to stand on its own.

“I pay tribute to all those involved, but training the Afghan forces to serve their country for themselves is the right approach. It will provide the conditions where the Afghans are able to maintain their own security and our troops can come home,” he said.

He toured a police training center in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, where he saw 150 recruits who will be graduating next week.

Brown also visited enemy bases seized by NATO troops during their massive offensive involving a total of 15,000 allied and Afghan forces. Four British soldiers were among the 15 NATO troops killed during the campaign in Marjah.