Prime minister Gordon Brown has said there are "signs of success" in Afghanistan in spite of the rising death toll of British forces.
Last week, eight soldiers were killed in fighting in the country, taking the total number of casualties since the 2001 invasion to 184.
In comments to the British Forces Broadcasting Service, Mr Brown stressed that operations in Afghanistan were critical to the UK's safety, adding that "a chain of terror" existed that linked events in the region with security in Britain.
He added: "I think the operation in Helmand province is showing signs of success.
"Our troops are making progress as they attempt to make the area safer. Despite the losses, our forces are doing a magnificent job in moving forward."
The head of government stated that three quarters of all terrorist plots being investigated by security services had been traced back to the mountainous areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr Brown's comments came after the Ministry of Defence released the names of the two soldiers who lost their lives on Thursday: Rifleman Daniel Hume, 22, of 4th Battalion The Rifles, and Private John Brackpool, 27, Prince of Wales' Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
© Adfero Ltd