Robin Williams plays Bagram

Robin Williams has been entertaining American troops at Afghanistan's Bagram airbase.

The US comic performed a short routine - opening with "Good morning, Afghanistan!", a throwback to his 1987 Vietnam movie - and met the soldiers in the mess hall, signing autographs and shaking hands.

He also played military bases in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan, and Qarshi, Uzbekistan in the four-day visit.

But journalists were not permitted to cover the shows until he left the country today, amid fears for his safety.

His manager also insisted that there was no gun in any picture taken of Williams, causing a couple of problems as every soldier based at Bagram must carry a weapon at all times.

Sergeant Jason Gray told CNN: "These guys work so hard, it's good when someone like this comes over and shows support."

Williams is one of the few entertainers to visit the troop stationed in Afghanistan - the only other star to go there was Eighties rocker Joan Jett.

Chief warrant officer Todd Champagne added: "It's nice to have someone famous here. It's nice to know they think about you."

Published: 20 Oct 2002