British Gurkhas set for Afghan role

A 120-strong team of Gurkhas is to be sent into Afghanistan next week as part of Britain’s role in the international security force there, it has been confirmed today.

Defence chiefs believe the Nepalese fighters will be able to gain the trust of Afghans because of their ethnic origin and language skills as well as being acclimatised to high altitudes if they need to fight in mountainous regions.

The Gurkhas form part of 2 Para, one of the companies involved in the peacekeeping mission to patrol the country’s war-torn streets.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed the 120 Gurkhas would be sent to Afghanistan as part of 2 Para.