Britain will send around 600 troops (including medics and specialist planners to help manage the withdrawal) to Afghanistan to evacuate UK nationals amid the increasing violence and worsening security, the ministry of defence said.
According to the ministry, the troops will provide protection and logistical help for the relocation of British nationals where required. They will also help accelerate efforts to quickly relocate Britain interpreters and other Afghan staff who worked alongside UK forces in Afghanistan.
The adjunct forces are expected to arrive in Kabul over the coming days and will be deployed on a short-term basis, the ministry statement read.
“The security of British nationals, British military personnel and former Afghan staff is our priority. We must do everything we can to ensure their safety,” Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
The British ambassador Laurie Bristow will be among those staying in Kabul. Last week Britain advised all its nationals in Afghanistan to leave.
