“After airlifting 14,000 individuals, the UK concludes its military presence in Afghanistan, reflecting on sacrifices and achievements.”
On August 28, 2021, the last British flight carrying troops and diplomatic personnel departed Kabul, marking the conclusion of the United Kingdom’s 20-year military campaign in Afghanistan. In just under two weeks, British forces successfully evacuated around 14,000 people from the war-torn country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson reflected on the UK’s mission, noting that the initial deployment of British soldiers to Afghanistan, which began after the September 11 attacks, aimed to foster a better future for the Afghan people. He acknowledged that the departure of the last British soldiers signifies a moment for the nation to assess both the sacrifices and the progress achieved during the two-decade-long engagement.
“We must now ensure that the gains of the past 20 years are preserved through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts,” Johnson stated, reinforcing Britain’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s future despite the end of the military presence.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also honored the contributions of British personnel. He praised the military and diplomatic teams for their heroic efforts in facilitating the evacuation, while urging the government to provide a clear plan for those left behind in Afghanistan.
As the final flight left the country, British Ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir Laurie Bristow, shared his thoughts on the significance of the withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of continuing support for Afghanistan despite the changed political landscape.
