Brown makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown ended up close to a war zone Monday when he paid a surprise visit to his country's troops in Afghanistan.

Approximately 60 miles from Brown's location at Camp Bastion, some 3,000 British troops were helping recapture the opium-trading town of Musa Qala from Taliban fighters, The Times of London reported.

Brown arrived in Afghanistan after visiting British forces in the southern Iraqi town of Basra on the second leg of a pre-Christmas tour. He was accompanied by his defense secretary, Des Browne.

Brown told The Guardian that victory in the battle at Musa Qala was crucial to the future of Afghanistan.

"If we can succeed there, as we will, we can move forward events in Afghanistan in favor of a more peaceful future for the country."

British troops were led in the offensive by NATO forces and joined by the Afghan National Army.