See The Faces Of 350 British Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

Photo: Hero: Private Martin Bell died in an explosion after disobeying an order not to help an injured comrade

As Yet ANOTHER Soldier Is Killed, These Are The Faces Of Our 350 Heroes Lost In Afghanistan -- The Daily Mail

Private Martin Bell was named today as the UK's 350th military fatality in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was killed in a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) to the south of Nahr-e-Saraj in Helmand province yesterday.

His family paid tribute to the 24-year-old today, saying: 'He will leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced.'

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My Comment: Our prayers are with their families and loved ones.

British Forces To Be Replaced By US Marines In Helmand Province

British Forces To Withdraw From Helmand Under New US Plan For Afghanistan -- The Telegraph

British forces are to be withdrawn from Helmand and replaced by United States Marines under controversial new plans being drawn up by American commanders.

The proposal, which would have to be approved by a new British government, is facing stiff resistance. Whitehall officials fear that a pull-out from Helmand, where nearly 250 British troops have been killed since 2006, would be portrayed as an admission of defeat.

Under the plans, British forces would hand over their remaining bases in Helmand to the US Marines as early as this year.

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My Comment: From where I am standing it appears that the Brits are being told to get out .... but the reality is probably different. Dutch and Canadian forces are leaving Afghanistan next year, and I am sure that there is now a repositioning of troops and resources with the British being the lead force in this deployment.

Still .... from a simple PR point of view this does not look good.

How British Troops Turned A Farm Into A Fortress: Pictures And Commentary -- Must See Video From Afghanistan

How British troops turned a farm into a fortress: pictures and commentary

Click for the video here.

My Comment: Telling people to leave their home .... even when compensated .... will always leave a bad taste.