UK must absorb harsh lessons from Afghan debacle (Opinion)
The UK deployed armed forces personnel to aid the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Facts on the ground contrast sharply with the grand ambitions enshrined in UK defence strategy.
Twenty years after the tragic events of 9/11, which set in motion a chain of events resulting in the West invading Afghanistan to put in place a democratically elected Government, the Taliban have returned to Kabul in triumph.
Following the near-total collapse of Afghan security forces, the Taliban took control of the country and its capital, leading to a major international evacuation operation and the final departure of international forces from the country.
For the UK, this mission (known as Operation Pitting) has been the largest non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) conducted in decades, representing a major commitment of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Defence Notes
-
![Ukraine air defences supplied by West force drop in Russian aircraft sorties]()
Ukraine air defences supplied by West force drop in Russian aircraft sorties
Russia has reduced the number of sorties it is flying above Ukraine considerably, which is likely the result of a continued high threat from Ukrainian air defence systems, mostly supplied by allied nations, according to the UK MoD.
-
![Raytheon space-based missile tracker hits programme milestone]()
Raytheon space-based missile tracker hits programme milestone
Raytheon's orbital payload for the US Space Force's Missile Track Custody programme has passed a key critical design review.
-
![Military assistance to Ukraine ramps up as winter approaches]()
Military assistance to Ukraine ramps up as winter approaches
The past 14 days have seen another wave of announcements of military assistance for Ukraine, including support from the US, UK, Norway and Germany.
-
![BFBS offers MiPlayer welfare solution to new markets]()
BFBS offers MiPlayer welfare solution to new markets
Improving the welfare of personnel is critical to tackling recruitment and retention challenges.
