Despite targeted attacks and death threats, Prince Harry has vowed to see out his four-month deployment in Afghanistan.
Only weeks after his controversial nude photo scandal, Harry found himself in more serious trouble. Last Friday his base camp in Afghanistan, where he is serving his second tour of duty as a helicopter pilot, was the target of a deadly Taliban attack following death threats against the Prince.
Related: Taliban death threats for Prince Harry
Defence experts support Harry’s decision to stay at Camp Bastion, saying that withdrawing him from Afghanistan would play into the Taliban’s hands and would be a victory for them.
Concerns have been raised over the Prince’s safety following the attack on Friday in which Taliban fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades invaded the camp killing two US Marines and seriously wounding four British airmen.
The Taliban has said the attack was carried out to specifically target Harry and as revenge for a mocking internet video that has also been the source of riots around the globe, including violent protests in Sydney over the weekend.
“We attacked that base because Prince Harry was also on it and so they can know our anger,” a Taliban spokesperson said, adding that thousands more suicide attackers would also be prepared to give up their lives in defence or their beliefs, and were willing to make an example of Prince Harry.
The Prince, known as Harry Wales in the army, was rushed to safety as the attacks began, and a military official confirmed Harry’s safety, playing down concerns for the Prince.
“He was accompanied by protection officers. Harry was carrying a loaded weapon, so was every member of personnel at Camp Bastion. This is a new security procedure adopted earlier this year. A number of incidents led us to raise the security profile,” the military source said.
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“He was not in danger and he resumed his training on Saturday as planned. He is fine and will not be going anywhere.”
Harry is due to remain at the remote camp until January, and has encouragement from British MPs and the Ministry of Defence to do so.
“To hell with them,” MP Colonel Bob Stewart said.
“Harry wants to go there and our soldiers want him there. He should stay.”
Your say: Do you think Prince Harry should stay in Afghanistan?
Video: Prince Harry target of Taliban raid
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