British unit protecting ISAF headquarters

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- British troops are stepping up efforts to counter threats to the International Security Assistance Force's headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.

A unit of British reservists, the 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, has begun foot patrols in the area surrounding ISAF headquarters on a regular basis to counter the ongoing security threats in Afghanistan's capital.

Officials say the soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in August. Since being tasked with protecting the ISAF headquarters, the British reservists say they have been making efforts during foot patrols around the city to establish positive relations with the local population.

Despite growing concerns about the increased strength of the Taliban and other militants in Afghanistan, Lance Cpl. Kenny Wilson said that local citizens remain friendly.

"They get to know our faces (and) know who we are," Wilson said in a statement.

"Throughout the city there is development everywhere; there are new buildings getting built left, right and center. You see more people out, and more women getting involved in daily activities."