UK and Russian food aid plan

The operation will try to get food into Afghanistan

The UK and Russia will work together to get 9,000 tonnes of food into north east Afghanistan in the next two months, Clare Short has told the House of Commons.

The international development secretary said that up to 60 convoys would be involved in an operation that would also involve the UN.

Ms Short is due to make announcement on food convoys

The UK government is planning to give £600,000 towards the operation from already announced funds.

Ms Short made her announcement while summing up in a Commons debate on the campaign against the Taleban later on Thursday.

Local drivers are set to steer the convoy through the region's borders and mountain ranges.

Difficulties

North-eastern Afghanistan, which is largely controlled by the Northern Alliance, is regarded as both difficult and dangerous, the spokesman said.

There have been past difficulties in getting food there so far, he added.

The mission to deliver the food will be launched over the next two weeks.