UK's Afghan gains 'may be lost'

BBC

British troops in Afghanistan may have to take ground they have gained this summer again next year, the Nato commander has warned.

Gen Dan McNeill said the alliance had made some important military gains over the past six months in Helmand.

But he expressed concern that Afghan security forces would not be able to retain security in the territory as the Taleban regroup over winter.

About 25 British troops have been killed there in the past six months.

Tactics in Helmand province, in the south of Afghanistan, over the past six months have been to push the Taleban out of the lush river valleys where the insurgents have had a stronghold.

The tactics have meant close-quarters fighting for British troops.......