The last British military base in Afghanistan has closed and British combat operations in the 13-year campaign have ended, officials in London say.
The Afghan National Security Forces have taken over Camp Bastion and British troops are to leave Helmand province in the coming days, Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
"It is with pride that we announce the end of UK combat operations in Helmand, having given Afghanistan the best possible chance of a stable future," Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said.
"Although we are ending a significant chapter in our shared history, the UK's commitment to support Afghanistan will continue through institutional development, the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and development aid."
Bastion has been Britain's main base since 2006 and its closure comes as Britain prepares to withdraw all of its troops by the end of December.
At the height of the conflict there were 10,000 British personnel in Helmand.
Brigadier Rob Thomson, the most senior British soldier in Helmand, paid tribute to the 453 British lives lost and the 140,000 British troops who had fought in Afghanistan.
He said the Afghan Forces would now take up the running.
"They have the baton, they're ready and I'm struck by their courage and commitment," Brig Thomson said.
Share
