Dam protection mission vital link in battle for hearts and minds

BRITISH soldiers tasked with protecting a vital dam in Afghanistan say they have gained the upper hand against insurgents.

It is hoped electricity produced by the isolated Kajaki dam in northern Helmand can be used to win hearts and minds in the area.

But a lack of manpower means there is no prospect of bringing a third hydroelectric turbine at the dam into use and it is difficult to provide enough protection for locals to return to their homes.

Troops from C Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles are based at Forward Operating Base Zeebrugge in a mountainous part of northern Helmand. Major Mike Lynch, Officer Commanding C Company, yesterday said the unit had recently killed a Taleban commander, adding: "We've pushed them back a long way. We have the upper hand up here."