British troops pull out from all but one site in Afghanistan

British troops’ withdrawal from most sites in Afghanistan is considered a major milestone.

15:46 17 March 2014

It’s a historic moment for British troops as they withdraw from all but one base outside Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. All combat troops are expected to go home by the end of the year.

The British Combat Logistics, who were seen driving military trucks laden with equipment, were photographed arriving at the gates of the major military camp from across the Helmand Province.

Since the conflict started in the country in 2001, 448 UK forces personnel have died in combat while 5,000 still remain there.

Just one base, Sterga 2, remains in the Helmand province, which essentially makes it the UK's front line in the area.

Speaking from Camp Bastion, Brigadier James Woodham, Commander of Task Force Helmand, said: 'If I speak to my Afghan counterparts, they are hugely grateful for the investment of the British forces here in central Helmand.

'They believe the progress they have made, the confidence that they have now, will hold them in good stead for the future.'

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: 'The handover and closure of our bases across Helmand underlines the progress UK Forces have made to increase security and stability across the province but also to build up the capability of the Afghan forces who will carry that work forward.

'Those service personnel who have served in Lashkar Gah and Lashkar Gah Durai and at MOB Price as part of successive UK brigades have made a huge contribution to the campaign which has safeguarded our national security at home.’