Local Afghans, key to success

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 17 (UPI) -- British troops say the success they've achieved recently against the Taliban in Afghanistan has come from partnering with local citizens.

British troops from Number One Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards are carrying out the remainder of the responsibilities in Kabul before redeploying out of the country. Officials say the security situation has improved after forming good relations with the local Afghans.

"We're here to stabilize the United Kingdom sector in Kabul, supporting our Afghan and NATO allies as well as British national interests," Co. Cmdr. Maj. Wayne Hennessy Barret said in a statement. "We are denying the insurgents the ability to operate as they would wish, through intelligence-led security and reconstruction operations and close local friendships."

Barret says there is still a constant threat of suicide and improvised explosive devices but that greater security has been achieved through humanitarian missions.

"Keeping one step ahead of the Taliban is a challenge, but we are winning," Barrett said. "Although there is at least one serious incident a week in the city, we have prevented any from occurring in our area of responsibility. We have achieved this through sensitive but assertive security and humanitarian operations."