British troops homeward bound

British soldiers have shut down the last patrol base in Afghanistan, which was once an “insurgent hotbed” but has now been made safe, as the drawdown of troops continues.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Oct 2013, 18:13 BST

Patrol base 2 (PB2), located in the Nahr-e Saraj district, has over the years seen heavy fighting as insurgents tried to take control of the area.

It is the last patrol base to close this year and one of the final roles for a number of Herrick 18 soldiers returning home shortly, and only four bases, plus Camp Bastion, will remain into next year.

The area around PB2 will be completely handed over to Afghan forces who have demonstrated they can maintain the security that has been established in the area, not least after they fought off an attempt by insurgents to enter the local village around three weeks ago. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

Afghanistan