In Context - The British in Helmand Province

So the Americans didn’t rate the British effort in Afghanistan. So President Karzai (man of honour...hmm) was unimpressed with British efforts in Helmand Province. So the media have headlined this.

Well, let us get the facts straight because frankly, these cables published by Wikileaks really are examples of statements being taken out of context.

When the cables were sent in 2006, Helmand Province was – and still is – the most dangerous region in Afghanistan. The UK was the only country contributing troops to this area. The number of UK troops then was a brigade strength of 3000. Time and again, the soldiers fought with amazing courage and ability to take villages and Taliban strongholds. However, because of their limited numbers, they were then ordered to withdraw from their battlefield sucesses, back into their bases. The Taliban would then reoccupy what they had lost. This happened repeatedly.

In addition, commanders - both in theatre and at home - pleaded with the government to strengthen numbers and improve equipment; for the most part these pleas were ignored.

Under these circumstances, questions should be asked of our raison d’être in Helmand. If we are unable to contribute a meaningful size of force, why should we expect our troops to make the ultimate sacrifice?

The leaked cables are not telling us anything new but because they have been taken so out of context this could cause an adverse affect against British troops.

So, to set the record straight – no one is questioning the incredible bravery or ability of the British forces; they are the best in the world – absolutely no doubt. However, they lacked numbers and adequate equipment in the field which meant that they were not able to hold on to the numerous gains made.

Today, Helmand Province has a force of 30,000 comprising of 26,000 US and 4,000 British troops. They are still struggling to contain the Taliban and last month alone, the US suffered 16 deaths.

This is an illustration of how brilliantly the British servicemen and women fought with a force of only 3000.

Ecrivain Man