UK ends Afghan combat operations

BBC Online :
The last UK base in Afghanistan has been handed over to the control of Afghan security forces, ending British combat operations in the country.
The union flag was lowered at Camp Bastion, while Camp Leatherneck – the adjoining US base – was also handed over to Afghan control.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said “mistakes were made” but much had been achieved since troops arrived in 2001. The number of deaths of British troops throughout the conflict stands at 453.
Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province, has been UK troops’ main Afghan base since 2006.
The last US Marines unit in Afghanistan ended its combat operations with the handover of Camp Leatherneck. The US has lost 2,349 personnel in Afghanistan.
Mr Fallon said: “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,” he said. “Our armed forces’ tremendous sacrifice laid the foundations for a strong Afghan security force, set the security context that enabled the first democratic transition of power in the country’s history, and stopped it being a launch pad for terrorist attacks in the UK.”
He said UK support would continue through “institutional development”, the Afghan National Army Officer
The Union flag has been flying in Helmand since 2006.
In a simple ceremony in Bastion – the now mostly empty main base for UK forces – it was lowered for the last time.
The moment was a symbol – for Britain at least – that its war in Afghanistan was over.
US marines alongside British and Afghan soldiers formed a guard of honour, saluting as the national anthems of all three countries were played over a loudspeaker.