Irish unit takes over security at Bastion

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, May 15 (UPI) -- British defense officials say that Royal Irish soldiers have taken over security at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province.

Troops from Imajin Company, Second Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment have taken over security operations for the key British base in Helmand province on a six-month deployment. Officials say the 140-soldier unit from the Irish Regiment will be responsible for the safety of thousands of personnel working at Bastion, the British Ministry of Defense reported.

Officials say the Irish will secure Bastion's immediate perimeter through active patrolling and also work to engage the local population for potential collaboration on militant activity. The units, on 24-hour call in case of security incidents in the area, will also keep the medical emergency response team secure, among other tasks.

"We work long hours and the environment is harsh at best," Lance Cpl. Chris Haggan said in a statement.