Afghanistan death toll jumps to 204
DEFENCE secretary Bob Ainsworth was hit with a fusillade of criticism last night after trying to put a positive spin on the latest British deaths in Afghanistan.
Ainsworth was accused of “false optimism” and “wild predictions” after claiming British forces would be off the front line in Afghanistan within a year. His comments followed the death of five more soldiers in Helmand province this weekend, which took the death toll to 204.
The milestone of 200 deaths has sparked more soul-searching among bereaved families and those opposed to the military presence. And Prime Minister Gordon Brown has admitted an offensive to shore up security had made July and August “one of the most difficult summers yet”.