It is the hub for all British operations in Helmand and along with Leatherneck houses thousands of combat troops and Marines, including Danish and Estonian forces
(CBS/AP) KABUL, Afghanistan The Taliban claimed responsibility on Saturday for an attack against a sprawling British base in southern Afghanistan that killed two U.S. Marines and wounded several other troops, saying it was to avenge an anti-Islamic film that insulted the Prophet Muhammad, and because Britain’s Prince Harry is serving there. Taliban spokesman Kari Yousef Ahmed told CBS News the primary motive for the attack was the film, but the base was picked as the place to attack because of Prince Harry’s presence there. The U.S.-led NATO coalition said in a statement that the overnight attack focused on Camp Bastion, a huge British base adjacent to Camp Leatherneck, which houses U.S. Marine operations in southern Helmand province. “We attacked that base because Prince Harry was also on it and so they can know our anger,” Taliban spokesman Qari Youssef Ahmadi told The Associated Press by telephone. He added, “Thousands more suicide attackers are ready to give up their lives for the sake of the Prophet.” Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne, is based at Camp Bastion. A spokesperson for Britain’s Ministry of Defense told the AP he was unharmed in the attack which, according to Britain’s Press Association, took place a mile from the section of the complex where the prince was located. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, in line with government policy. Capt....
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