Paras almost retreated under Taliban assault By Tom Coghlan (Filed: 02/10/2006) British forces in southern Afghanistan came within hours of retreating from a key base because they suffered a critical shortage of helicopters, the task force commander has disclosed. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph Brig Ed Butler said Taliban fire was so heavy and accurate at Musa Qala, a key forward base in northern Helmand, that Army helicopters faced a serious risk of being hit. Brigadier Ed Butler, commander of British Forces in Afghanistan He said the loss of such crucial equipment — together with the political...