British troops have pulled out of all but one frontline outpost in Helmand province in one of the final acts of the 13-year mission in Afghanistan. Just one base, Sterga 2, remains in Helmand outside Camp Bastion, as the UK works towards withdrawing all combat troops by the end of this year.
A British Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) heading back to Camp Bastion after making the last road move to recover equipment and material from closed down UK operating bases in Helmand Province, Afghanistan
In an operation lasting more than a month, three important bases have been closed or handed over to Afghan control in Helmand, where 448 UK soldiers have died since 2001.
At the height of the campaign there were 137 outposts, but Sterga 2, the only one remaining, is so small that a convoy will not be needed to bring the kit back.
As the British soldiers pack up their kit for the trip home, Afghan forces are now leading 97% of all security operations across the country and carrying out over 90% of their own training.
Brigadier James Woodham, Commander of Task Force Helmand, said ‘history would judge’ the success of the UK mission in Afghanistan and added that this was a ‘historic moment’.
Equipment and material is loaded into the nose of a Boeing 747 headed for the UK after being recovered from closed down UK operating bases in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Equipment and material being loaded into the nose of a Boeing 747
British soldiers watch Afghan contractors loading ISO containers carrying equipment from camp onto lorries and transport them out of MOB Price in Helmand Province ahead of the last British troops leaving the camp
Brigadier James Woodham (centre) and the Provincial Governor of Lashkar Gah (left) taking in a tour of the remains of Main Operating Base Lashkar Gah before the handover to Afghan security forces is complete
Brigadier James Woodham and the Provincial Governor of Lashkar Gah holding a press conference to signify the handover of Main Operating Base Lashkar Gah from British military control to Afghan security forces
British combat troops are still carrying out patrols at Sterga 2, but Afghan forces have taken over most of the dangerous security operation
Laundry drying on makeshift washing lines at MOB Price in Helmand Province ahead of the last British troops leaving the camp
Corporal Samantha Rodway of 220 Signal Squadron hand washing her laundry at MOB Price in Helmand Province
Private Stuart Hunter and his dog Lord from the Military Working Dogs Squadron keeping watch over a bare courtyard as British troops withdraw from Main Operating Base Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province and hand it over to Afghan security forces
Laundry drying on makeshift washing lines at MOB Price in Helmand Province