By Cpl Cameron Jamieson
NEW ZEALAND SAS soldiers have returned to Afghanistan as part of an international effort to bolster security in the country before elections.

A detachment of about 50 troops left in early April for a six-month deployment, in which they will conduct long-range reconnaissance and direct action operations.

In a statement, NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark said there had been a clear need in Afghanistan for assistance to improve stability.

"Without stability, efforts to reconstruct this war-torn country cannot proceed effectively," she said

"There is a particular need for support during the next few months as voter registration takes place for the elections, scheduled to be held in June, but which may be postponed if security does not improve."

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