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UK bolsters support to NATO mission in Afghanistan

100 troops arrive in Kabul alongside Defence Secretary.

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson meets UK troops at the New Kabul Compound.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson meets UK troops at the New Kabul Compound. Crown copyright.

100 Welsh Guards arrived in Afghanistan last week. 皇冠体育appy travelled with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson who was in the country for a 3 day visit.

皇冠体育app 100 troops are the first group of the additional 440 troops the Prime Minister committed to NATO鈥檚 capacity building mission in Afghanistan at the NATO Summit in July. 皇冠体育app UK plays a leading role in NATO, and this troop uplift will make the UK the third largest contributor to Afghanistan with around 1,100 personnel.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

We remain absolutely committed to building an Afghanistan that is a strong security partner for decades to come. A secure and stable Afghanistan helps keep the streets of the UK safe.

皇冠体育app uplift of UK personnel not only underlines our commitment to Afghanistan and regional security, but also to the Alliance that has been the cornerstone of our defence for 70 years. Thousands of our personnel stand shoulder-to-shoulder with NATO allies around the world. Those here in Afghanistan are just one example of Global Britain in action.

皇冠体育app additional troops will bolster the UK鈥檚 existing contribution to the UK-led Kabul Security Force (KSF), which plays a critical role in enabling NATO advisors in the city to undertake engagement with the Afghan Government. 皇冠体育appy will also continue to mentor the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces who are responsible for security in the capital.

皇冠体育app Defence Secretary also travelled to Mazar-e-Sharif where, alongside the German Armed Forces, UK personnel are supporting the expansion of the Afghan Special Police. 皇冠体育app force has recently illustrated its increased capability in responding to the InterContinental Hotel and Kabul Military Academy attacks. He met around 40 UK advisors who have been based in the north of the country since January 2018.

He also met President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, underlining the UK commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan.

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Published 4 September 2018