Afghanistan 2002 - 2021

In the aftermath of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and resultant military intervention in Afghanistan, Paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade provided security in Kabul in 2002 after the overthrow of the Taliban. They then led the first major deployment into Helmand Province in 2006, while its Apache attack helicopters were deployed from 2006 until British combat operations ended in late 2014.

The Brigade’s deployments to Afghanistan were:

2002: Op FINGAL: A battlegroup based around 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment provided security in Kabul for three months after the overthrow of the Taliban;

2006: Op HERRICK IV: A battlegroup based around 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment was the first British troops to move into Helmand Province;

2008: Op HERRICK VIII: Both the 2nd and 3rd battalions of The Parachute Regiment deployed on operations together for the first time since the Falklands Conflict. A key achievement was the delivery of a hydroelectric turbine to the Kajaki Dam; and

2010/2011: Op HERRICK XIII: The full brigade deployed with key achievements includes improving security by driving insurgents out of several communities in Nahr-e Saraj and Nad-e Ali districts; supporting the training of Afghan National Security Forces and helping with reconstruction and development work.

On the 16 Jan 2015, the Brigade commemorated its in Afghanistan and the loss of 58 personnel killed under the Brigades command. During the service the senior Brigade Chaplain, Revd Alan Steele MBE, Noted:

“Afghanistan was a demanding commitment and we, as a Brigade, have learned much over the last 13 years. It is appropriate, therefore, to take time to consider all that has been achieved and the Brigade’s contribution to bringing stability to Afghanistan. It is appropriate, too, to acknowledge that this contribution was achieved at the cost of the 58 soldiers who died while serving with the Brigade in Helmand, and to remember them and honour their sacrifice, as we now prepare to face our next operational task in a very uncertain world.”

Post Op Herrick, the British mission continued in a mentoring and protection role.

2015: Op TORAL IX: 2 PARA deployed to Kabul.

Finally, in August 2021, with the Taliban advance across Afghanistan, elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade were deployed to the airport in Kabul.

2021: Op PITTING: To Evacuate British nationals, embassy staff and Afghans eligible for relocation under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP).