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UK 'underestimated' Taleban fight UK 'underestimated' Taleban fight
(about 1 hour later)
The threat posed by the Taleban in Afghanistan has been underestimated, the defence secretary is to admit.The threat posed by the Taleban in Afghanistan has been underestimated, the defence secretary is to admit.
Des Browne is set to say that the fight against the Taleban has been "even harder than we expected".Des Browne is set to say that the fight against the Taleban has been "even harder than we expected".
His speech to the Royal United Services Institute comes after 40 UK troops have died in Afghanistan since 2001.His speech to the Royal United Services Institute comes after 40 UK troops have died in Afghanistan since 2001.
About 4,000 British soldiers are based in the southern Helmand province as part of a Nato-led International Security Assistance Force.About 4,000 British soldiers are based in the southern Helmand province as part of a Nato-led International Security Assistance Force.
'Worth it''Worth it'
Mr Browne will say the Taleban's tenacity in the face of heavy losses has been a surprise.Mr Browne will say the Taleban's tenacity in the face of heavy losses has been a surprise.
That has absorbed more effort than predicted and consequently slowed down progress on reconstruction in the country, he will add.That has absorbed more effort than predicted and consequently slowed down progress on reconstruction in the country, he will add.
The minister will use his London speech to remind other Nato states of their commitment to the operation in Afghanistan.The minister will use his London speech to remind other Nato states of their commitment to the operation in Afghanistan.
BBC defence correspondent Gary O'Donoghue says that is an indication that the government is losing patience with the failure of Nato to find extra troops to bolster those already in Helmand. BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue says that is an indication that the government is losing patience with the failure of Nato to find extra troops to bolster those already in Helmand.
Mr Browne is expected to say success in Afghanistan is still "some way off" but will be "massively worth it".Mr Browne is expected to say success in Afghanistan is still "some way off" but will be "massively worth it".
British soldiers have been involved in heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan in recent weeks and 19 have lost their lives this month.British soldiers have been involved in heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan in recent weeks and 19 have lost their lives this month.
UK troops have been battling Taleban fighters in southern Afghanistan after taking over from a US-led coalition in July.UK troops have been battling Taleban fighters in southern Afghanistan after taking over from a US-led coalition in July.
The area is where most of Afghanistan's opium production is concentrated and sees regular deadly violence blamed on Taleban fighters or drug lords.The area is where most of Afghanistan's opium production is concentrated and sees regular deadly violence blamed on Taleban fighters or drug lords.