BRITISH troops have been deployed to the front line in Afghanistan in support of local Afghan Forces to take back a key town from Taliban.
UK soldiers have been mobilised to help Nato forces seize Sangin in Helmand province from the Taliban.
The MOD said the SAS are not taking on a combat role and are only provide advisory support.
MOD Spokes Person said: “As part of the UK’s ongoing contribution to Nato’s Resolute Support Mission, a small number of UK personnel have deployed to Camp Shorabak in Helmand province in an advisory role.”
“These personnel are part of a larger Nato team which is providing advice to the Afghan National Army. They are not deployed in a combat role and will not deploy outside the camp.”
“In total the UK has around 450 troops in Afghanistan mentoring and supporting the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and the Afghan Security Ministries.”
Former Nato commander in Afghanistan General Lord Richards of Herstmonceux said Britain and its allies should be prepared to increase the number of support troops in the country if needed.
He said: “It is important that the West honours its commitment to protect the Afghan people as well as the memory of those who fought and died there to keep us safe from extremism.”
Operations that started in October 2001, left 456 British forces personnel or MoD civilians killed while serving in Afghanistan.
Nato’s combat role in the country finished nearly a year ago, after a 13-year campaign.
By Mike Buss.
Reported: 22nd December 2015.
MB Photography 