UK Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning has said that British troops will continue to train the Afghanistan defence and security forces in their fight against terrorism.
British troops will continue to train Afghan soldiers and act as advisers to the Afghan Security Ministries.
The UK has deployed an additional 50 personnel to Afghanistan, bringing the total number of personnel in the country to 500.
Penning said: “Britain has an enduring commitment to Afghanistan. This year we’re stepping up our support to the country, and have deployed 50 extra personnel, some of whom I visited at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, where the next generation of Afghan army leaders are being trained.
“The UK, along with our Nato Allies, is committed for the long term to developing the ever more capable Afghan National Security and Defence Forces to ensure Afghanistan is not a safe haven for terrorists.”
Since 2014, the UK mentors have helped the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) train more than 1,500 officers.
Last year, the UK Government committed to provide £70m to the Afghan security forces every year, until 2020.
According to Penning, Britain’s increased support to Afghanistan is already helping the country to build a more secure and stable future.
Image: Mike Penning meets a British adviser to female Afghan instructors for female cadets at ANAOA. Photo: courtesy of the UK Government.
