Tri-Service

Britain To Extend Afghanistan Mission Until End Of 2016

Britain is to maintain its military support mission in Afghanistan until the end of next year, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced.

In a Commons written statement, Mr Fallon said that around 450 personnel would remain in a non-combat role, including mentoring instructors at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy.

Britain ended combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2014, but kept troops in the country to advise and train Afghan security forces. Mr Fallon said:

"Both the US and our own decisions underline Nato's continued commitment to training and assisting Afghan forces as they grow stronger."

The move follows the announcement by President Barack Obama that the US is to maintain its remaining force in Afghanistan throughout 2016.

The Defence Secretary added: "The UK Government recognised it would take time for the ANDSF (Afghan national defence and security forces) to develop into a fully-fledged fighting force capable of providing complete security for the people of Afghanistan."

"We therefore made plans to review our commitment in light of its performance over the year and the overall security situation."

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