Taleban blow up British Christmas turkeys

The Taleban have scored a festive blow against British troops in Afghanistan by blowing up a supply lorry packed with Christmas turkeys.

In the latest in a string of attacks on convoys heading for troops through Pakistani tribal areas, a consignment of frozen birds weighing 325kg was destroyed by a roadside explosion.

The turkey breasts were intended for troops stationed at Camp Bastion, Britain's main base in Helmand, where up to 3,000 soldiers will spend the festive season.

However, the Christmas dinner will still be going ahead after the Ministry of Defence flew out replacement birds.

Regimental Catering Warrant Officer Nick Townley, who is in charge of organising Christmas dinner for British troops in Afghanistan, said: "Unfortunately one of our Christmas wagons got taken out so a lot of turkeys had to be flown in especially."

The attack was the latest in a string of pro-Taleban explosions targeting convoys heading through Pakistan to supply Nato troops in Afghanistan.

The raids have led to a strike by the Pakistani lorry drivers' association, who say the route is now too dangerous in which to operate. More