Muammar Al Khadafi

Two "British nationals" have been arrested in Afghanistan on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks against British soldiers stationed in the country.

In a joint operation between UK forces and the Afghan intelligence service the two suspects were detained in a raid on a hotel in the city of Herat.

"We can confirm that two British nationals have been detained in Afghanistan. Embassy staff are providing assistance" said a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office.

According to Afghan officials the two men are dual nationals, although what other country than Britain they hold citizenship in is yet to emerge.

The arrests come after much speculation that numerous people with British citizenship have travelled to Afghanistan in order to join up with Taliban/terrorist forces and carry out attacks against coalition troops. Previously, mention has been made of intercepted Taliban radio traffic where voices with Birmingham or Yorkshire accents have been heard.

A document obtained by the Independent back in 2009 stated that "that the numbers of young British Muslims, "seemingly committed jihadists", travelling abroad to commit extremist violence has been rising, with Pakistan and Somalia the most frequent destinations".

An MI5 estimate at the time suggested that up to 4,000 Muslims resident in Britain could have travelled to Pakistan or Afghanistan for military training.

The two men arrested in todays operation remain in custody for questioning.

If we've any sense then we'll strip them of their British citizenship, hand them over to Afghan security forces, and wash our hands of them. There's no way they should ever be allowed back into Britain that's for sure.