L115A3 sniper rifle in a sangar, Afghanistan, 2008

Digital photograph, Afghanistan, 2008.

British Forces adopted the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) L115A3 bolt-action sniper rifle in 2007 and it was deployed in Afghanistan in Spring 2008. The weapon here is fitted with a sound suppressor and a telescopic sight camouflaged with sand-coloured tape.

Sangars are temporary fortified positions with a breastwork made of stone. They have been used in Afghanistan and the North West Frontier of India since the advent of firearms.