Almost all British troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan: Prime Minister Johnson

• Britain left only one embassy to protect the troops.
• Prime Minister Johnson admitted that he was worried about Afghanistan’s future.
• The British military chief warned of the possibility of civil war.

London: Although the Taliban are making progress and are concerned that the departure of foreign soldiers may lead to civil war, most British soldiers have been withdrawn from Afghanistan, ending Britain’s official role in the two-year conflict.

“All British troops sent to NATO for missions in Afghanistan are now returning home,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament, praising the achievements of British troops while acknowledging the “dangers” facing Afghanistan.

“For obvious reasons, I will not disclose the timetable for our departure, but I can tell the House of Representatives (Parliament) that most of our personnel have already left,” Johnson said.

After attacking the United States on September 11, British troops first deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 and played an important role in combat operations prior to 2014. A total of 457 British soldiers were killed in the country.

NATO, of which the United Kingdom is a member, said in April that its troops will begin to withdraw in order to coincide with President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw US troops by September 11.

In the weeks since then, violence has raged across Afghanistan.

The United States abandoned Bagram Air Force Base last week, which was a long-term gathering place for American military operations in the country, effectively ending America’s longest war.The Pentagon said the U.S. withdrawal was 90% complete.

Johnson said he did not underestimate the challenges facing Afghanistan, adding that the government will continue to provide development assistance.

“I hope no one will come to the wrong conclusion that the withdrawal of our troops means the end of Britain’s commitment to Afghanistan to some extent. We will not turn around and leave, and we will not be aware of the dangers and possible occurrences of the current situation. Have any illusions about things. Lie on the front,” Johnson said.

Civil War Warning

The British Ministry of Defence said it will retain a small number of troops to protect diplomats.

Nick Carter, the chief of defense staff and head of the armed forces, said that with the withdrawal of the United States and other foreign troops, Afghanistan is likely to enter a civil war.

He told reporters that the recent news from Afghanistan is “very serious” and it is “possible” that the Afghan country will collapse without foreign troops.

Afghanistan may have a situation similar to the country’s civil war in the 1990s. “In this case, you will see a culture of warlordism. You may see some important institutions such as security forces split along ethnic or tribes.” He says.

“In that case, I guess the Taliban will control part of this country. But, of course, they will not control the entire country.”

Johnson said Britain can be proud of its role in Afghanistan. The US-led coalition supported the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban government. Washington accused the Taliban government of harbouring al Qaeda after the militant group attacked the United States on September 11, 2001.

He said that women’s rights and education have improved. Since the invasion of Afghanistan, there has been no radical attack from Afghanistan in the West.

He said: “No one should doubt the achievements of the past 20 years, but we cannot shrink back in today’s severe situation.” “It is true that the Taliban are making rapid progress in rural areas, but this does not mean that […] Ensure that they win victory throughout Afghanistan. “