Army defends treating Taliban

Servicemen have expressed anger at having to share the same wards as their enemy combatants in Afghanistan.

But the Ministry of Defence said that it was standard practice for all patients to be treated together in conflicts.

Taliban combatants are routinely treated at the Camp Bastion Field Hospital, in line with the Geneva Convention.

According to the BBC, some service personnel at Camp Bastion have complained about the practice.

"My friends who were injured were waking up in the hospital to find Taliban in the bed next to them," one was quoted as saying. "A lot of people are getting injured out there, and the last thing they want to see when they come round is the Taliban on the same ward. It's just not right."

Another said they were "appalled" by the practice, adding: "I know we have to treat them under the Geneva Convention, but no one should have to wake up in the same place as someone who may have injured them or their mates."

The Ministry of Defence said the same level of care was provided for all patients at the Camp Bastion Field Hospital.

"This does sometimes include local nationals and enemy forces," a spokesman said. "They are guarded at all times, segregated where possible, and nursed behind screens to afford all patients the necessary level of care, protection and dignity.

"We provide medical care under the Geneva Convention and are subject to inspections from the International Red Cross."