100 Welsh Guards have arrived in Afghanistan to support the NATO mission in the country.
According to the Ministry of Defence, they travelled with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson who was in the country for a three-day visit.
The 100 troops are the first group of the additional 440 troops the Prime Minister committed in July. The Ministry of Defence say 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.
Defence Secretary Gavin 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 defence 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 British Army say that the additional troops will bolster the UK’s existing contribution to the Kabul Security Force, which plays a critical role in enabling NATO advisers in the city to undertake engagement with the Afghan Government.
They will also continue to mentor the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces who are responsible for security in the capital.
