We know roughly where these people are. ... At the moment I would say there is a chance they can be released safely.

The Afghan civilian population nor their homes or property have been targeted.

As an additional contingency we have redirected the Landing Platform Dock HMS Albion towards (Ivory Coast), and reduced the notice to move for other force elements should they be required.

It's important that we make an effort to bridge this gap.

This is excellent news, and I am delighted that Maj. Harrison is safe, in good health and is now able to take some well-earned leave. I welcome this decisive action by (the mission), which demonstrates its clear resolve to operate where and when it needs, in order to meet its mandate in Sierra Leone.

The targets included terrorist training camps, military airfields, and air defenses.

I know there have been media reports that bombs and missiles have fallen near civilian areas. Detonations of nearby fire can give the impression that civilian areas are under attack, ... I can assure you this was not the case.

We would expect the operation to last days, not weeks.