Members of 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, in Helmand Province, 30 July 2006

Photograph, Afghanistan, 2006.

The British engagement in Afghanistan began in October 2001 following the terrorist attacks on the United States. As part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the British Army assisted in the overthrow of the Taleban regime and the campaign against Al Qaeda which used Afghanistan as a safe haven and training ground.

The troops also helped safeguard Afghanistan's first ever parliamentary election in September 2005. British and Gurkha troops continue to work with the new Afghan government to build stability and maintain security across the country. They are also targeting the drugs trade that funds many of the insurgents.

From a compact disc of multi-media associated with Royal Gurkha Rifles, Helmand, Afghanistan, 2006.