LONDON (AP) - The NATO mission in Afghanistan does not have enough troops to fight the Taliban and is being hampered by high civilian casualties, a retired British army general said in an article published Tuesday.

General Sir Michael Rose, once one of Britain's most senior officers, said the war against the Taliban was slowly being won but difficulties securing remote areas and high civilian casualties could undo the mission.

"There are simply not enough combat troops to carry out all theonstruction, projects often benefit the warlords rather than the population in general."

His words echo comments made earlier this month by Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith departing commander of British forces in the Helmand province, who said more forces were needed to contain the insurgency in Afghanistan.