Deployments
Afghanistan
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're there
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.
The process of handing over security to Afghan forces – ‘transition’ – saw the international military’s role change from leading combat operations to training, advising and assisting. This marked a significant milestone for Afghanistan and its people.
It has also enabled UK troop numbers to reduce and combat operations to decrease. At its peak, in Helmand alone there were 137 UK bases and around 9,500 UK troops.
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 provide force protection and a training and advisory role to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and Afghan National Police.
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.
These have been made possible by improved security provided by international troops and the Afghan National Security Forces.
Who's deployed
The Yorkshire Regiment
At the forefront of operations across the globe, The Yorkshire Regiment is renowned for its operational excellence and as the ‘Best Sporting Regiment in the Army’.
The Royal Artillery
The Royal Artillery provides firepower to the British Army. We are responsible for finding the enemy using a variety of high-tech equipment and then, when we need to, striking them using everything from explosive shells to advanced precision rockets.