News story

Statement on Afghanistan

The Secretary of State for Defence has delivered a quarterly oral statement on Afghanistan to the House of Commons.

• From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon Philip Hammond
• Published: 11 February 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Afghan soldiers and policemen work together during a joint operation

Philip Hammond made the latest quarterly statement on Afghanistan at the House of Commons yesterday, 10 February.

The Secretary of State started his statement by paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of our armed forces. He also reflected on why the mission matters, and the progress made in Afghanistan through various security operations that have taken place.

In particular he highlighted the growing capability of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), giving the example of an operation last December in which more than 250 villages were cleared of insurgents and more than 600 improvised explosive devices destroyed, with few casualties.

During this operation, the Afghan Air Force flew resupply missions and evacuated casualties, with limited International Security Assistance Force support.

Warriors of the Afghan National Army lead a clearance operation north east of Lashkar Gah (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Dan Bardsley, Crown copyright]

Mr Hammond said:

As the ANSF has grown in stature, so our role in Afghanistan has evolved from leading combat operations to training, advising and assisting the ANSF. And the progress of the ANSF is helping drive the pace of transition, enabling us to meet our target of reducing our military footprint in Afghanistan to 5,200.

Our efforts have not just focused on building the necessary security apparatus. The UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team has helped deliver real progress in Helmand.

Today, 80% of the local population can access healthcare within 10 kilometres of their home. Improved security and infrastructure conditions have meant the reopening of local bazaars and the reinvigoration of the local economy. Ordinary Afghans have seen their quality of life improved significantly and we can be proud of the role we have played in making this possible.

Members of the Afghan Uniform Police pose for a photograph after a successful operation to clear an insurgent stronghold (library image) [Picture: Corporal Ross Fernie, Crown copyright]

Mr Hammond concluded:

We should be proud of what our armed forces have achieved over the past 13 years, helping Afghanistan to stand once again on its own 2 feet.

Our focus now is to help the Afghans secure the gains of the last decade, using these as a platform for further steady progress in the years to come.

Click here to read the full Afghanistan statement

Published 11 February 2014