THE British nation is bracing its self for a dangerous war in Afghanistan following the launch of another military operation in the eastern mountainous provinces of the rugged country.

After the third Afghan war less than a century ago, the British soldiers are involved in combat operations in a country about which the British nation doesn’t have very good memories of the past. The government is fully aware of the dangers ahead and ready to receive body bags.

The specially trained commandos, known as Royal Marines, are in action in Afghanistan in their first major combat role since the Falklands conflict 20 years ago. The mission, which began several days ago was kept secret and the first announcement was made on Tuesday.”

The Arbroath-based 45 Commando Unit, which has been trained in the rugged and mountainous regions of Norway, are said be extremely tough and as such they could be perfect fighters in a cold and mountainous region of the eastern provinces of Paktia and Paktika in Afghanistan. Besides combat operations, the leading coalition partners — the US and the British — will have to keep an eye on the local population of the region. The support of the local warlords and population in this operation could play a very crucial role and the intelligence provided by them can prove very effective.

About half the 1,700-strong battle group is already in the in Afghanistan, with the rest expected to be deployed over the next few weeks. The commandos are being supported by artillery, engineers and logistics troops, as well as by troop-carrying Chinook helicopters. This is the biggest overseas operation of the British forces since the Gulf War. In addition to the combat forces, there are 1,367 UK peacekeepers, with the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf) in Kabul.

The campaign named “Operation Enduring Freedom” also involves 2,135 sailors and 795 Royal Air Force personnel. One of the difficulties facing the operation is the ability of Al Qaeda members to slip across the border to tribal areas of Pakistan, where they can re-group. But the British government seems to be