last updated: Friday 25 September 2009, 09:40am

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General quits 'over Afghanistan'

A senior Army general has quit in a move which could see the Government face fresh criticism of its treatment of British troops in Afghanistan.

Major-General Andrew Mackay, who was awarded the CBE for his frontline service in Helmand and led Prince Harry during his deployment in Afghanistan, is leaving the army for 'personal reasons' according to the Ministry of Defence.

But several military sources claimed the resignation was linked to the general's growing unhappiness over the treatment of the forces. According to several newspapers, he had clashed with ministers over the issue.

He is the latest of at least four officers to leave forces prematurely amid criticism of strategy in Afghanistan.

Senior military commanders have been calling for extra troops in Helmand amid fears that the death toll will continue to soar.

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