03/04/2014

Britain Command Of Afghanistan's Helmand Hand Over US

Britain's military operations command in the Afghan province of Helmand has been formally handed over to the US, in the latest step to recall British combat troops since it started operations in the area in October 2001.

The UK’s withdrawal is due to be completed by the end of this year, with the remaining forces set to become part of the US-led Regional Command (South West).

Britain's peak of more than 10,000 soldiers in Helmand has now been reduced to about a half, as the Afghan national forces begin to increase their role in the handling of the country's defence.

Last month the Minister of Defence announced the closure and handover of three front line bases in the region.

(CVS/IT)

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