As the United Kingdom continues to wind down operations in Afghanistan, the last group of 40 Commando Royal Marines to serve in the country is due to return to the UK, after more than 10 years of deployments.
The troops part of the 7,200-strong Royan Marine Corps are currently based in Nahr-e Saraj district of southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.
United Kingdom has deployed the units in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan 12 times during its mission.
Defence secretary Philip Hammond said, “The courage of the Royal Marines, and indeed all of our Armed Forces who have served in Afghanistan over the past decade, has been truly outstanding.”
He said, “It is these Afghan forces, developed and trained by UK personnel, who will ensure that Afghanistan never again provides a safe haven for terrorists.”
Somerset-based 40 Commando were the first marine unit to serve in Afghanistan in 2001 – with missions in areas including Sangin, Nahr-e Saraj and Musa Qala.


