Britain has withdrawn almost all its troops from Afghanistan

LONDON (Reuters)-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that most British troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan, ending their official role in the two-year conflict, because of fears that the departure of foreign soldiers may lead to a battle. The chaotic civil war.

After the 9/11 attacks on the United States, British troops first deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 and played an important role in combat operations prior to 2014. A total of 457 British soldiers were killed in the country.

Johnson said in a statement to Parliament: “All British troops assigned to NATO’s Afghanistan mission are now returning home.”

“For obvious reasons, I will not disclose the timetable for our departure, but I can tell the House of Representatives (Parliament) that most of our personnel have already left.”

In the weeks since President Joe Biden announced that the army would withdraw unconditionally before September 11, violence has raged across Afghanistan.

The United States abandoned Bagram Air Force Base last week, which was a long-term gathering place for American military operations in the country, effectively ending America’s longest war. The Pentagon stated that 90% of the evacuation of US troops has been completed.

Johnson outlined the changes in Britain’s presence in Afghanistan, saying that he did not underestimate the challenges facing the country and the government will continue to provide development assistance.

“I hope no one will come to the wrong conclusion that the withdrawal of our troops means to some extent the end of Britain’s commitment to Afghanistan. We will not turn around and leave. Have any illusions about things. Stay ahead,” Johnson told the council.