British Troops in Afghanistan: A Full Commitment from Start to Finish
Despite recent comments from former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO troop involvement in Afghanistan, a detailed analysis confirms that British forces were present alongside American troops from the very beginning of the conflict right through to its conclusion. This steadfast commitment underscores the UK's role as a key ally, with over 1,000 non-US NATO personnel losing their lives and at least double that number suffering serious injuries in support of US policy objectives.
The Immediate Response to 9/11
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001, which triggered the Afghan operation, US airspace was completely shut down. Notably, the only foreign aircraft in the air that night carried Britain's intelligence chiefs, who were en route to consult with their American counterparts. At that time, the UK had 20,000 troops concluding a major exercise in Oman, ready for immediate deployment to Afghanistan if required.
However, US officials opted for a different strategy, focusing on special forces operations. Consequently, British special forces were swiftly deployed to the mountainous regions of southern Afghanistan and the Tora Bora complex, working closely with US colleagues to target Taliban leaders and fighters.
Expanding NATO's Role and Sustained Presence
As the conflict evolved, the US transitioned to a larger-scale operation in 2006. During this phase, British forces collaborated with Dutch and Canadian troops to establish a NATO-led effort that bolstered the overall American mission. This period saw significant contributions from allied nations, reinforcing the collective commitment to the campaign.
Over the years, three successive US presidents—Barack Obama, Donald Trump in his first term, and Joe Biden—each moved to withdraw from the long-standing commitment. Despite these shifts in US policy, British troops remained on the ground, maintaining their presence until the very end of the operation.
The Final Withdrawal and Lasting Impact
The chaotic and brutal conclusion of the Afghan campaign arrived on 30 August 2021, with British forces still stationed alongside US troops until the final transports departed from Kabul. This enduring presence has been a point of pride and pain within the UK, particularly among veterans of the Afghan operation and the families of those who lost loved ones.
As many in the British policy establishment have noted, true allies share in both successes and failures. The UK's unwavering support throughout the Afghan conflict exemplifies this principle, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to transatlantic cooperation and shared security objectives.
