UK hands over last base to Afghans

The last British-run military base in Afghanistan has been handed over to the country’s security forces, bringing an end to the UK’s combat operations in the Asian country.

On Sunday, the British combat troops at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province prepared to leave Afghanistan.

The end of the British military intervention in Afghanistan was marked by a ceremony, in which the country’s flag was lowered and folded.

The camp had been the main base of the British troops in Afghanistan since 2006.

British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon admitted in a statement that “mistakes were made” by politicians during his country’s presence in Afghanistan, adding, “We’re not going to send combat troops back into Afghanistan, under any circumstances.”

He said Britain would continue to assist Kabul through “institutional development.”

A total of 453 British forces were killed in Afghanistan since their military presence began in 2001.

About 10,000 British soldiers were sent to Camp Bastion during the height of the Afghan war in 2009.

A small number of UK forces are expected to remain at the British-run military academy in Kabul after 2014.

The British transfer comes as Washington also decided to hand over the US-run Camp Leatherneck, the last US Marines camp, to Afghans.

The United States, Britain, and their allies invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, as part of their so-called war on terror. Although the offensive removed the Taliban from power, insecurity continues to rise across the country.

SZH/HJL/SS