Forces and MOD Respond to "Leaked E-Mail" Concerning Operations in Afghanistan

UK Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces spokespersons have responded to media reports today, 22 September 2006, relating to an e-mail “leak” from a British Officer in Afghanistan in which he outlines his experiences in theatre, and allegedly criticises RAF operational support to ground forces. 
 
An MOD spokesman said: 
 
“Like many others published in recent weeks, this is a moving and at times humbling account of fighting in a part of Helmand province, Afghanistan. It reflects both how intense the fighting can occasionally be, and the enormous courage, dedication and skill of the British troops operating there. As the Secretary of State said only this week, British soldiers in Helmand are, in some cases, working to the limits of endurance, but their morale is high and they are winning the fight.” 
 
“The comments this Major makes about the RAF are, however, unfortunate. They do not reflect the view of the vast majority of soldiers about the Harrier Force in Afghanistan, which has consistently performed brilliantly in defending coalition forces, so much so that it is in regular demand not just from British commanders on the ground, but from our allies too. It must be remembered that this is the opinion of only one man. 
 
The general view is very different. Captain Matt Taylor, 3 Para Operations Officer in Afghanistan said: 'The GR7