Many soldiers and their families do not understand why British troops are fighting in Afghanistan, an anti-war campaign group said today.

The Stop the War Coalition said Government aims were confused and the expedition was a “disaster”.

Campaigners criticised Government foreign policy as troops from the most heavily hit battalion were returning to their base in Colchester.

Thirteen soldiers who were either members of the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, or were attached to the unit, have died fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan in the past six months.

More than 110 British soldiers have died in Afghanistan since the American government launched a war on terror after the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001.

“It’s a disaster,” said a Stop the War Coalition spokesman.

“Politicians and military leaders are confused about our aims. So many seem to say different things.

“People don’t understand why we are in Afghanistan. I cannot remember the last member of the public I spoke to who said, ‘it’s a good thing we are doing in Afghanistan’.

“We have good contacts in the military. A lot of soldiers at squaddie level and their families are extremely confused and upset and many are in contact with us.

“As much as people support British troops and admire the courage and skill of these soldiers, frankly they are dying in vain.”