British troops to withdraw from south Afghan area

[unhappycamper]

British troops to withdraw from south Afghan area
By DAVID STRINGER
Associated Press Writer
Jul 7, 4:48 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) -- British troops will withdraw from a volatile district in southern Afghanistan where they have sustained nearly 100 deaths, turning over responsibility to U.S. forces by the end of the year, an official said.

The Sangin valley in Helmand province has been one of the deadliest for British forces, accounting for 99 of the 312 soldiers who have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

Defense Secretary Liam Fox planned to make a statement Wednesday to the House of Commons on changes in the deployment of British troops, who are likely to reinforce their positions in central Helmand province.

A government official, who requested anonymity to discuss the statement in advance, said U.S. troops are expected to replace British forces in Sangin starting around November. No other details were available.

Britain has about 10,000 troops in Afghanistan, most based in Helmand.



unhappycamper comment: Bring them home, Liam.

It will happen eventually regardless of your cheery promises.