THE final deployment of British combat troops to Afghanistan will take place in June this year, the defence secretary has announced.
In a written ministerial statement, Philip Hammond said it will be the final phase of Operation Herrick - the UK's operation in Afghanistan - with the drawdown of combat troops due to be complete by the end of the year.
Units deploying will include The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish); Royal Artillery regiments; Royal Engineers; Signal Regiments; The Royal Logistic Corps; Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; Royal Military Police as well as Royal Air Force squadrons.
Some 762 individuals from each of the services will also deploy, made up of 67 Royal Navy personnel, 320 Army personnel and 375 Royal Air Force personnel, while reservists will also be called up. Mr Hammond said this deployment, which will be the 20th Operation Herrick, will be the final phase of the mission as combat operations end by December 31.
The announcement comes as Task Force Helmand, the UK's military HQ in Afghanistan, was disbanded in the latest major step in the drawdown of troops.
Mr Hammond said: "It is only right to reflect on the significant achievements - and sacrifices - of the past eight years."
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