Brown tries to buoy support for Afghan mission

By Adrian Croft

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government tried to shore up public faith in the Afghan war effort on Sunday after the death of eight British soldiers in 24 hours sowed doubts over the mission.

The number of British troops killed in Afghanistan -- 184 -- now surpasses the British toll from the Iraq conflict.

However, an opinion poll conducted for the Guardian newspaper and the BBC showed support for the war remained firm.

The ICM survey put backing for British involvement at 46 percent, slightly behind opposition at 47 percent and up 15 points from the last time opinion was tested in 2006.

Brown said a major British and U.S. offensive against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province was succeeding despite the heavy toll.

Taking his message direct to the troops, Brown told the British Forces Broadcasting Service: "I know that this has been a difficult summer so far and it is going to continue to be a difficult summer."

Asked if he was worried that the Helmand operation could become Britain's Vietnam, Brown said: "The operation ... is showing signs of success."

The operation is aimed at making Helmand safe for people to vote in August 20 presidential elections.