British PM Brown Vows to Fight On in Afghanistan

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says his government remains committed to the mission in Afghanistan as public support for the war falls in Britain.

In a speech in London in Friday, Mr. Brown said the main terrorist threats facing his country originate in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and said Britain "will not walk away."

The prime minister also said he told Afghan President Hamid Karzai that British support depends on the Afghan leader's ability to combat corruption.

The increasing number of British casualties in Afghanistan has eroded support for the war in Britain.

In a shocking incident earlier this week, five British soldiers were killed by an Afghan policeman.

There are about 9,000 British soldiers serving in Afghanistan. A total of 230 have died since 2001.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.