Britain's Gordon Brown pledges vehicles to resist Afghan bombs

KABUL — British Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised British troops 200 new patrol vehicles that can resist roadside bombs more effectively during an unannounced visit Saturday to southern Afghanistan.

Brown made the trip to Camp Bastion in Helmand province to thank some of the 4,000 British soldiers who are involved in a 3-week-old NATO offensive to wrest control of the Taliban haven of Marjah from the insurgents.

"We will do everything we can to support you with the equipment necessary and the resources you need," he told the troops, according to the British Press Association.

Brown, who faces a difficult election campaign in the coming months, has been criticized by the British press and by some opposition politicians for failing to provide enough protection for soldiers in Afghanistan.

Critics have cited a shortage of helicopters — forcing soldiers to use dangerous roads — and the lack of strongly armored vehicles as factors that have left troops vulnerable to improvised explosive devices.

His visit came as Britain's military said one of its soldiers died after being wounded by an explosion in Helmand on Friday. More than 265 British soldiers have died since the war began in 2001, with many perishing during roadside explosions as bombs used by insurgents have become more effective.

Brown's remarks Saturday focused on the battle against improvised explosive devices and the need to bolster training of the Afghan police force.

British officials will be announcing a $151 million investment in new British-built vehicles to replace Snatch Land Rovers, blamed by troops for many of the deaths caused by roadside bombs. The new vehicles, which should arrive in Afghanistan by late 2011, have better armor and more maneuverability.

Another $27 million will be spent on metal detectors and training for Afghan forces to help them combat the roadside bombs. Britain also is sending 150 new police and army trainers to help train Afghan police.

Brown toured a police training center in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, where he saw 150 recruits who will be graduating this coming week.

He also visited enemy bases seized by international and Afghan troops during their massive offensive involving a total of 15,000 allied and Afghan forces. Four British soldiers were among the 15 NATO troops killed during the campaign in Marjah.

The Marjah offensive is the largest combined allied operation of the war. The goal is for international and Afghan forces to secure the area to allow a credible, effective Afghan government to take root.