Afghanistan: special report

Writing for Channel 4 News as the UK death toll reached 300, former British commander Colonel Richard Kemp said the UK could not afford to leave the country until its objectives are achieved.

Former Helmand commander Andrew Mackay and Operation Snakebite author Stephen Grey set out 10 key points for future strategy for British forces in Afghanistan.

A Channel 4 News investigation reveals how a number of US and Nato units asked for help from Afghan militias previously blamed for assassinations and civilian deaths.

In his final blog from the frontline, Tpr Pete Sheppard on how the anticipation of returning home is shattered by the death of a fellow soldier just days before he was due to leave Afghanistan.

Channel 4 News reveals Taliban insurgents fighting British and US forces are being supported by Iranian weapons – mines, mortars and plastic explosives – smuggled over the border, writes Nima Elbagir.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan on teaching some English phrases to the locals.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan about being constantly on alert for those unexpected days.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan as his colleagues chase down a group of Taliban fighters.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan where his patrol have been building bridges and getting some well earned rest.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan while he finds that his unit will be spending more time on the ground than originally thought.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, writes from Afghanistan as they move closer to enemy positions.

Trooper Pete Sheppard spends another quiet day back at base before preparing to go out on patrol tomorrow, checking there are no IEDs on the tracks the soldiers are walking on.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, on the frontline in Afghanistan, writes: “Some of the lads want to just leave the army all together…For me though, the military seems to be the right career.”

Trooper Pete Sheppard posts his latest blog from Operation Moshtarak, revealing the difficulty of identifying insurgents and the conversations among the troops.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, on the front line in Afghanistan, writes: “It’s crazy to think that one minute someone is there and the next he’s not. But this is what we sign up to do and it is our job.”