"PREPARE FOR CASUALTIES IN CONFLICT" SAYS DEFECE SECRETARY

8th February 2010

The Defence Secretary's warning of likely British casualties as troops prepare to take part in a major international offensive against the Taliban.

Bob Ainsworth says almost half of British troops in Afghanistan will take part in Operation Moshtarak in Helmand province.

Among the soldiers involved are the Scots Guards, which recruits soldiers from Lancashire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man, although the Army can't confirm if any soldiers from North Lancashire and South Cumbria are taking part in the operation.