29/02/2008

Prince Harry Withdrawn From Afghanistan

Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, after news of his deployment there was leaked.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday said: "The decision by elements of the foreign media to report Prince Harry's presence in Afghanistan without any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable. However, this was a circumstance that we have always been aware of and one for which we have had contigency plans in place. Whilst it had been intended that Prince Harry should return in a matter of weeks with the remainder of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battlegroup, the situation has now clearly changed.

"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier."

The 23-year-old prince, who serves with the Household Cavalry, had been fighting in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan for the past 10 weeks. He was based in a former madrassa (a school) along with a Gurkha regiment.

His deployment was subject to a voluntary media blackout agreed across the UK, after Harry's planned deployment to Iraq last year had to be cancelled because publicity about the trip triggered a security risk.

However, the news was leaked by a US website, the Drudge Report. It is understood that they picked up the story from an Australian online magazine.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Prince Harry, calling him an "exemplary" soldier, but said that the decision to withdraw him from Afghanistan was correct, because of security considerations.

Conservative leader David Cameron also agreed that the decision was correct, but said that Britain should be proud of the prince and described him as "incredibly brave".

Liberal Democrat's defence spokesperson Nick Harvey said: "Prince Harry and all the men and women serving in our armed forces should be applauded for their courage.

"Sound judgement is needed to ensure his safety and that of those around him."

(KMcA)


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