Afghanistan: special report

Trooper Pete Sheppard writes: “Been a quiet day today, we had a lie in this morning. 0700 start. A few of the troops went out on patrols with the aim of interacting with the local community.

Trooper Pete Sheppard, stationed in Afghanistan, writes: “We are aware that the insurgents are watching us, which is frustrating as we can’t visually identify them”.

Trooper Pete Sheppard enjoys some brief rest and recuperation back at base after ten days of “hard work” fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan’s tough conditions.

In a close-up account from behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, video journalist Vaughan Smith joins the Grenadier Guards to reveal the ambush strategies UK troops are using to beat the Taliban.

As insurgents use improvised explosive devices to fight British troops in Afghanistan, bomb disposal expert Captain Jon Evett recalls his personal experience leading a counter-IED team.

Channel 4 News reporter Nima Elbagir went to Afghanistan’s Mirwais hospital to uncover the civilian casualties caught up in the fight between Nato and the Taliban.

In a powerful film for Channel 4 News, photographer with The Guardian Sean Smith captured British forces fighting for Helmand province – witnessing frontline combat at first hand with the Black Watch.

Channel 4 News exposed the ‘crucible of conflict’ at US Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan – one of the most dangerous bases for US forces. Just weeks later it was closed.

Writing for Channel 4 News as the UK death toll reached 300, former soldier Patrick Hennessey described a significant turning point in war strategy.

A father prepared to sell his son, widespread kidnappings, corruption and lawlessness. In an RTS award-winning film, Channel 4 News captured the startling personal tales of ordinary Afghan people.