British troops to pull out of volatile Sangin region

BRITISH troops are to be pulled out of the Sangin area of Afghanistan, where nearly a third of UK deaths in the war have occurred.

The government has decided the volatile district in northern Helmand province will be handed over to United States forces, possibly later this year.

The move, to be announced today by Defence Secretary Liam Fox, comes after Britain handed over command in Helmand to an American general last month.

Mr Fox is expected to say that Britain will concentrate on Helmand's populous central belt, leaving the north and south of the province to the US.

Sangin, currently home to 40 Commando Royal Marines, is particularly dangerous because it contains a patchwork of rival tribes and is a major centre of Afghanistan's opium-growing industry.

It has been the scene of some of the fiercest fighting the British military has endured since the Second World War.

Of the 312 UK deaths in Afghanistan since 2001, 99 occurred in Sangin.

Some politicians warned the move, however sensible, would be exploited by the Taliban to suggest a retreat by the British.

Nasa shuttle contractor to axe 1400 jobs

USA: Nasa's top space contractor plans to shed about 15 per cent of its shuttle-related workforce. Houston-based United Space Alliance said up to 1,000 shuttle-related workers in Florida, and 400 in Texas would be made redundant. The shuttle has just two missions left.

Thailand: Acclaimed Russian pianist Mikhail Vasilievich Pletnev, founder of the Russian National Orchestra, has been charged with raping a 14-year-old boy.

Two years for whale activist

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New Zealander Peter Bethune was also found guilty of assault for throwing a bottle of rancid butter at the whalers on board their ship.

He was jailed for two years.

Trial order over Aussie oil spill

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French defend burqa ban bill

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Michele Alliot-Marie said the ban had nothing to do with religion or security. "It is a question of dignity, equality and transparency."

But many law scholars argue the ban would violate France's constitution.

Lohan tears over jail sentence

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Revellers celebrate during the Chupinazo at the first day of the famous San Fermin bull run festival in Pamplona, Spain.