UK renews commitment to Afghanistan’s stability

KABUL, citing the continued funding for Afghan national security forces and the recent uplift of UK troops to around 650.

Gavin Williamson, in a meeting with Minister of Defence Bahrami, said the security, development and governance of Afghanistan remained crucial to reducing the terrorist threat to the UK.

On his maiden visit to Afghanistan, the secretary said: “A secure Afghanistan will help keep the streets of Britain safe. Building the security services that will be the foundation of stability and peace in Afghanistan remains top of our agenda.

“I have seen first-hand the crucial role our brave Armed Forces are playing in realising that vision,” the visiting dignitary said, referring to Britain’s support for the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA).

During his visit to the academy in Qargha, on the western outskirts of Kabul, Williamson met UK personnel who are helping to train the next generation of Afghanistan’s military leaders through mentoring training staff and instilling the Sandhurst ethos at the academy.

More than 3,000 officers have passed out of the academy since 2013, and, this year, ANAOA has nearly as many female cadets in training as have graduated in total since the academy opened.

Williamson also met UK troops who lead the Kabul Security Force (KSF), which provides force protection for NATO staff in Kabul. In last five weeks alone, the KSF have undertaken over 2,800 protection journeys.

He also commended their efforts in responding to some of the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul, in which the KSF supported Afghan forces following the Intercontinental Hotel terrorist attack and provided first aid to Afghan soldiers following an attack on an Afghan Army compound in January.

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