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. Currently there are nearly 1,000 UK troops deployed in Afghanistan.
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.
Who's deployed
1 RIFLES
1 RIFLES is a Regular Infantry Battalion based in Beachley Barracks, near Chepstow in Gloucestershire. The Battalion consists of around 550 Riflemen who deploy from their base location on training and operations worldwide.
Royal Irish Regiment
Built with fighting spirit, tradition, and Irish character, we are the only Irish Infantry Regiment of the line in the British Army. We recruit men of the right quality and calibre right across the island of Ireland, all parts of the UK, and beyond.