The British Army in Afghanistan
The Taliban gave safe haven to Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, which allowed terrorists to plan and carry out attacks around the world. We joined many other nations in a NATO/ISAF-led military intervention to bring Al-Qaeda’s leaders to justice, remove the Taliban from control in Afghanistan and prevent the country again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists.
Why we were there
As of June 2021, the British Army deployment to Afghanistan since 2001 and in that time more than 100,000 soldiers have been deployed on operations including Veritas, Fingal, Tarrock, Herrick and Toral, alongside our international partners.
The UK has played a leading role throughout including forming and commanding the first International Stabilisation and Assistance Force (ISAF) with Headquarters HQ 3(UK) Division in November 2001.
The Taliban gave safe haven to Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, which allowed terrorists to plan and carry out attacks all around the world. We joined many other nations in a NATO/ISAF-led military intervention, supported by a UN Security Council Resolution, to prevent the country once again becoming a haven fo international terrorists.
The international military campaign has reduced the terrorist threat from this region and helped train a 350,000 strong Afghan National Security Force, which now has security responsibility for Afghanistan's 30 million citizens.
We have everything because of the assistance of our international mentors and advisors. Major Aziz, a criminal investigation officer in Helmand Police Force.
What we're doing
The UK and international partners have committed significant resources in Afghanistan to help rebuild and stabilise the country.
Since the drawdown of force elements, British troops are now stationed in Kabul where they take the lead within the Kabul Security Force, a 7 nation organisation which provides vital force protection for UK and coalition advisors who are working with our Afghan partners to increase the capabilities and capacity across the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
Alongside military activities, the UK has supported a wide range of projects to improve education, healthcare, economic growth and local governance, in Helmand and across the country.
The UK also provides mentors who work in a training and advisory role within the Afghan National Army Officers' Academy and Infantry Branch School among other Afghan institutions.
These have been made possible by improved security provided by international troops and the Afghan National Security Forces.
