Q & A: What's happening in Afghanistan?

British forces have been in Afghanistan since 2001. Here's a guide to why they're still there and what's been going on.

How many British troops are over there?

As of autmun 2009, there are around 9,000 British troops in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that another 500 British troops will be sent there to help.

Why are they there?

In 2001, the country was run by a group called the Taliban.

During that year, British troops were part of an American-led invasion in Afghanistan. The Taliban were accused of giving a terrorist group called al-Qaeda a place to operate.

That group - led by Osama bin Laden - was responsible for attacks on America and American interests in other countries.

A new government was formed after the Taliban were removed from power.

Why didn't they leave then?

After losing power, members of the Taliban carried on fighting against the new government and so international troops stayed in Afghanistan to help out.

They've been training Afghan forces, helping with security and trying to make sure there are enough schools and hospitals.

Another part of the military's mission is to destroy crops that can be turned into illegal drugs which are then sold in other countries.

Afghanistan is also a place where terrorists have travelled to in the past to learn how to fight in training camps. The armed forces there are trying to stop that from happening, which should make it safer for people living in the UK.

Are British troops working out there alone?

The British troops are part of an international group, called the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), whose job it is to help the Afghan government and keep the peace. ISAF is led by Nato.

Around 43 countries are part of the ISAF, so British troops are working with soldiers from all over the world.

Whereabouts are they?

Most of the British troops are in the southern province of Helmand.