British troops hand over Camp Bastion to Afghan forces

British and Afghan soldiers during the handover ceremony of Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. Photograph: Sergeant Obi Igbo, RLC/MoD/EPA


The last UK base in Afghanistan has been handed over to the control of Afghan security forces, ending British combat operations in the country.The union flag was lowered at Camp Bastion, while Camp Leatherneck - the adjoining US base - was also handed over to Afghan control.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said "mistakes were made" but much had been achieved since troops arrived in 2001.The number of deaths of British troops throughout the conflict stands at 453.
Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province, has been UK troops' main Afghan base since 2006.