LONDON, Saturday (AFP) -The head of Britain's military insisted the Taliban were losing the fight in Afghanistan, as London reflected on one of the most tragic days for its troops in decades.
Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup admitted it was “tough going” in Afghanistan after eight soldiers were killed within 24 hours, taking the British military death toll higher than in Iraq.
The spike in fatalities means Britain has now lost 184 troops in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 -- surpassing the 179 killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. The Sun newspaper said it was the worst 24 hours for British troops on the battlefield since the 1982 Falklands War.
Swat Taliban chief 'near death'
Maulana Fazlullah commands the loyalty of many militants in Swat
The leader of Taliban militants in Pakistan's Swat district has been critically wounded and is close to death, the BBC has learned.
The information about Maulana Fazlullah confirms statements from senior government and security officials.
Former village cleric Fazlullah founded the branch of the Taliban which eventually took over the Swat valley.
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