KABUL — Britain's prime minister paid a surprise visit today to British troops in southern Afghanistan, promising more help to cope with Taliban insurgents who have inflicted casualties on the embattled force and undercut support in Britain for the war.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, speaking to British soldiers and journalists at the British base in Lashkar Gah, pledged to provide more equipment to help overcome the threat of Taliban roadside bombs, a major threat to NATO forces.

More than 200 British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001, more than Britain lost in the Iraq conflict.

Last week, British troops cleared 337 roadside bombs from some of the most dangerous roads in Helmand province, which has been center-stage in the recent fighting.

"Let me pay tribute to the courage, bravery, professionalism and patriotism of our forces," Brown told the troops. "This has been a most difficult summer in Afghanistan, because the Taliban have tried to prevent elections taking place," referring to the Aug. 20 presidential ballot.

The prime minister arrived with Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup, chief of the British Defense Staff, and met with senior commanders including the top U.S. officer, Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Support for the war is slipping in Britain. Critics believe the mission is too open-ended, and its goals too vague.

By The Associated Press