Changes in Afghanistan Command Structure

With a split in command in Southern Afghanistan, 8000 Limeys are now working for Uncle Sam.

The US will take control of about 8,000 British troops in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, later.

The move is part of a restructuring of Nato forces, with command and control in southern Afghanistan split into two.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox welcomed changes he said were "based on sound military rationale" and in the interests of the coalition strategy.

The UK force level in Afghanistan is currently 9,500, and including special forces, totals some 10,000.

Until now, UK forces took their orders from British Major General Nick Carter, who was in charge of operations in the south.

But the region is being split to make it more manageable.

Gen Carter will oversee Kandahar and Maj Gen Richard Mills, of the US Marine Corps, will command forces in Helmand.

By: Brant