Hundreds of combat troops will return home from Afghanistan by the end of the year as Britain steps up its withdrawal from the front line, Philip Hammond said today.
The Defence Secretary told MPs the “majority” of 500 servicemen and woman due to be flown back would be combat troops rather than support staff.
Mr Hammond also announced that an extra 200 troops would switch from a front-line role to supporting the Afghan military — reflecting the progress made by security forces in the country.
“The reality on the ground is that Afghan forces are increasingly taking the lead,” Mr Hammond told the Commons.
“This allows Isaf, including UK forces, to gradually reduce force levels and to change their role.” Britain is due to withdraw completely from a combat role by the end of 2014.
