British, U.S. troops mark withdrawal from Helmand province
- 10 years ago
For one last time, American and British flags are lowered at the Bastion-Leatherneck military complex in Helmand Province.
The ceremony marks the official end of British and American operations in the southwestern province, 13 years after a U.S.-led invasion launched the long and costly war against the Taliban.
Britain's Camp Bastion and Camp Leatherneck, the largest U.S. base to be handed over to Afghan control, together formed the international coalition's regional headquarters for the southwest of Afghanistan.
British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon says Afghan security forces are well-prepared to fight the Taliban.
SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH DEFENSE SECRETARY, MICHAEL FALLON, SAYING:
"There is a better chance of a more stable future in Afghanistan because we have a government there of national unity and an army that is supported by the local population that represents all parts of Afghanistan. You don't have the sectarian divide that we've seen in I
The ceremony marks the official end of British and American operations in the southwestern province, 13 years after a U.S.-led invasion launched the long and costly war against the Taliban.
Britain's Camp Bastion and Camp Leatherneck, the largest U.S. base to be handed over to Afghan control, together formed the international coalition's regional headquarters for the southwest of Afghanistan.
British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon says Afghan security forces are well-prepared to fight the Taliban.
SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH DEFENSE SECRETARY, MICHAEL FALLON, SAYING:
"There is a better chance of a more stable future in Afghanistan because we have a government there of national unity and an army that is supported by the local population that represents all parts of Afghanistan. You don't have the sectarian divide that we've seen in I