British Muslims 'helping the Taliban'

Updated 10.17 Sat Aug 02 2008

Keywords: army, Taliban, Afghanistan, British Muslims

British Muslims are actively supporting the Taliban and al-Qaeda in attacks on coalition forces, the former commander of UK forces in Afghanistan has said.

Brigadier Ed Butler claimed British troops also uncovered evidence that militant Islamic groups in Helmand Province are suspected of assisting terrorist plots in the UK.

"There is a link between Kandahar and urban conurbations in the UK. This is something the military understands, but the British public does not" - Brigadier Ed Butler

Earlier this year suspicions were raised that the Taliban were recruiting an increasing number of fighters from Britain after RAF experts overheard secret transmissions spoken in broad Midlands and Yorkshire accents.

Brig Butler, 46, who led British troops in Helmand Province for six months, said a growing number of British-born Muslims were assisting the Taliban.

He said: "There are British passport holders who live in the UK who are being found in places like Kandahar.

"There is a link between Kandahar and urban conurbations in the UK. This is something the military understands, but the British public does not."

Brig Butler, who has served in conflict zones including the Balkans, Iraq, Africa and Northern Ireland, described the operation in Helmand as "the most challenging mission I have done in my career".

Widely regarded as one of the best British officers of his generation, he announced his decision to retire from the Army earlier this year.