UK Muslims found aiding Taliban war

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Brigadier Ed Butler claimed British troops had also uncovered evidence that militant Islamic groups in Helmand province are suspected of assisting terrorist plots in the UK.

Earlier this year suspicions were raised that the Taliban was recruiting an increasing number of fighters from Britain after RAF experts overheard secret transmissions spoken in broad Midlands and Yorkshire accents.

Brig Butler, 46, who led British troops in Helmand province for six months, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that a growing number of British-born Muslims were assisting the Taliban.

He said: "There are British passport holders who live in the UK who are being found in places like Kandahar.

"There is a link between Kandahar and urban conurbations in the UK. This is something the military understands, but the British public does not."

Brig Butler, widely regarded as one of the best British officers of his generation, announced his decision to retire from the Army earlier this year.

Despite claims his premature retirement was in protest at the Government's under-funding of the armed forces, Brig Butler insisted his decision to step down was prompted by the desire to spend more time with his family.

He is currently Commander of Joint Force Operations based at Northwood, near London, and will formally leave the Army next year.

After passing the grim milestone of 100 military deaths in the country since 2001, politicians and commanders alike agree that there can be no early exit for UK forces from this foreign entanglement.