PM pledge to combat Taliban bombs

Aug 29 2009

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has praised the work of British troops in Afghanistan, promising more help for them to overcome the threat of roadside bombs planted by the Taliban.

On a visit to the war-torn country, Mr Brown announced new kit and personnel to deal with the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that have killed and wounded so many British soldiers.

He visited troops at Camp Bastion in Helmand province and thanked them for their efforts in fighting the insurgents ahead of the recent presidential elections.

Mr Brown travelled with Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, and had talks with senior commanders including US commander General Stanley McChrystal.

He said: "Let me pay tribute to the courage, bravery, professionalism and patriotism of our forces. This has been a most difficult summer in Afghanistan, because the Taliban have tried to prevent elections taking place.

"I think our forces have shown extraordinary courage during this period. They know the reason why we are here and that is our security at home depends on a stable Afghanistan - no return of the Taliban, and no role for al Qaida in the running of Afghanistan."

Mr Brown unveiled new measures to deal with the threats facing British soldiers on the ground.

This autumn, 200 specialist counter IED troops will be deployed to join 200 that were sent there earlier in the year. They have already been making headway arresting bombers and their suppliers.

There will also be an increase in flights by unmanned surveillance aircraft that provide intelligence to track and target bomb makers.

That is due to start next month and by the spring the Hermes 450 will be flying 33% more hours, Desert Hawk will be flying 50% more hours and Reaper 80% more hours.