The British government has faced angry questions in parliament over the shortage of vital military equipment in Afghanistan. Over the past two weeks a dozen British soldiers have been killed there.
Meanwhile, the overall British death toll in Afghanistan has reached 184, surpassing the country's troop losses in Iraq.
The deaths of 15 soldiers has shocked and angered the public.
The opposition is demanding the government explain what it is doing to get more helicopters and well-armored vehicles to stretched frontline forces.
In response to the political brushfire, the government says helicopter flying hours have been increased. It added that additional helicopters and vehicles with heavier armor would be sent to the war zone -- next year.
But the British Defense Secretary also said that simply increasing the number of vehicles is not the point.
Bob Ainsworth, British Defense Secretary, said, U.S. and British troops have launched an intensified operation against the Taliban across southern Afghanistan in the past two weeks.
They have suffered heavy losses in the offensive, as the Taliban are using powerful roadside bombs.
One of the biggest problems British forces face is a lack of helicopters, which can carry large numbers of soldiers and much equipment over long distances.
(CCTV July 14, 2009)
