Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

UK Bolsters Support to NATO Mission in Afghanistan

UK Bolsters Support  to NATO Mission in Afghanistan

KABUL - Arriving in Afghanistan with the UK’s defense minister were 100 Welsh Guards, that were the first of the extra troops to arrive.
UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson visited Kabul last week and brought with him 100 Welsh Guards, the UK's ministry of defense reported Tuesday.
The 100 troops are the first group of an additional 440 troops the UK committed to NATO’s capacity building mission in Afghanistan at the NATO Summit in July.
The 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.
Speaking in Kabul, 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.
“The 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 defense 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.
“The additional troops will bolster the UK’s 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. They will also continue to mentor the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces who are responsible for security in the capital,” Williamson said.
The UK’s ministry of defense said on Tuesday, Williamson also traveled to Mazar-e-Sharif where, alongside the German Armed Forces, UK personnel are supporting the expansion of the Afghan Special Police.
The defense secretary also met President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, underlining the UK’s commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan. (Tolo news)