New checkpoints add security in Helmand

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A unit of the British Royal Engineers announced the completed construction of two security checkpoints in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province.

Officials say the checkpoints, constructed near the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, are a sign of progress on implementing greater levels of security in the region that has been a Taliban stronghold, the British Ministry of Defense reported.

Construction of the security checkpoints and other infrastructure is a challenge with the constant threat of attack by the Taliban and other militants. The British 2nd Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment was responsible for providing security for the engineers.

Officials say the checkpoints are designed to better control access routes around Lashkar Gah and also support the ongoing effort to increasingly transfer responsibility to Afghan National Police.

"This was a very satisfying project to be involved in. We feel we have made a real contribution to the Afghan National Police taking on more responsibility for the security of Helmand," Lt. Jane Thorle, British Royal Engineers, said in a statement.