Operation Herrick

{{Main|Strategy for Operation Herrick}}

It was the UK Government's position that the UK could not disengage from Afghanistan and so retained an active military presence until December 2014 (particularly Helmand province) because of the continued terrorist threat facing Britain and the world.The Prime Minister Gordon Brown speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies on Afghanistan – National Security and Regional Stability, 4 September 2009, accessed: 16 October 2009, http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page20515 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620054409/http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page20515 |date=2012-06-20 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/statements-and-articles/2010/06/pm-statement-on-afghanistan-51813|title=Mr David Cameron, Prime Minister's Statement on Afghanistan|date=14 June 2010|website=www.number10.gov.uk|access-date=4 March 2013|archive-date=5 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705134644/http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/statements-and-articles/2010/06/pm-statement-on-afghanistan-51813|url-status=live}} Building a strong Afghan state is a long and difficult task.Operations in Afghanistan: Our Strategy, Ministry of Defence, http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanOurStrategy.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101054538/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanOurStrategy.htm |date=2012-11-01 }} The Liberal–Conservative coalition government (May 2010 – May 2015) declared that Afghanistan was the UK's top foreign policy priority.

Between 2002 and 2003, the primary component of Herrick remained the 300 personnel providing security in Kabul and training to the new Afghan National Army (ANA).{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBackgroundBriefing1.htm |publisher=Ministry of Defence |title=Operations in Afghanistan: Background Briefing 1 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026025817/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBackgroundBriefing1.htm |archive-date=October 26, 2009}} In mid-2003, the operation became battalion strength when a provincial reconstruction team (PRT) was established in Mazari Sharif and in Maymana. The UK also provided a rapid reaction force for the area. Overall command of the PRTs was transferred to ISAF in 2004. Sweden and Norway took over these PRTs in 2005 and 2006 respectively to allow the UK to focus on south Afghanistan. In early 2006, the NATO Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) became the headquarters of ISAF for a year. The attached British infantry and signals personnel raised the number of troops based in Kabul to 1,300.{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060126/debtext/60126-10.htm#column_1529|title="House of Commons Hansard Debates for 26 January 2006"|website=UK Parliament|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514075346/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060126/debtext/60126-10.htm#column_1529|url-status=live}}

File:12 Sqn Tornado at Kandahar Airfield MOD 45150434.jpg

In 2004, a detachment of six Royal Air Force fighters from Joint Force Harrier was based at Kandahar Airfield to support American OEF forces there. A planned withdrawal in mid-2006 was postponed to provide air support for the new ISAF expansion across the south. The force was later reinforced with more Harriers and an RAF Regiment squadron. The Harriers were withdrawn in 2009 and replaced by a Panavia Tornado GR4 squadron on rotation.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5357260.stm "UK to send RAF jet to Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505180823/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5357260.stm |date=2021-05-05 }}. BBC News 18 September 2006.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/34SquadronRafRegimentWillDeployToKandaharAirfield.htm 34 Squadron RAF Regiment will deploy to Kandahar Airfield] Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) 15 June 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018000227/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/34SquadronRafRegimentWillDeployToKandaharAirfield.htm |date=October 18, 2006 }}

On 2 September 2006, a Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 patrol aircraft, serial number XV230 supporting Canadian forces in Operation Medusa crashed near Kandahar, killing all 14 service members aboard. The cause was related to fuel lines.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5314358.stm "'Fire reported' by crashed Nimrod "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103135435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5314358.stm |date=2022-01-03 }}. BBC News 4 September 2006.

4 more Harrier GR9s were committed in May 2007 bringing them to a total of eleven, along with an extra C130 transport plane and four Westland Sea Kings from the Fleet Air Arm. Harriers have been succeeded by Tornados. Merlin and Chinook helicopters are also based there.

The majority of aircraft deployed for Herrick were based at Kandahar.

File:Afghanistan-Helmand.png

In January 2006, Defence Secretary John Reid announced the UK would send a PRT with several thousand personnel to Helmand for at least three years. This had been planned as part of the gradual expansion of ISAF's area of responsibility from the Kabul region to the rest of Afghanistan. An initial strength of 5,700 personnel in Afghanistan was planned, which would stabilise to around 4,500 for the rest of the deployment.

The move was to be a coordinated effort with other NATO countries to relieve the predominantly American OEF presence in the south. To this end, the Netherlands and Canada would lead similar deployments in Oruzgan and Kandahar respectively. Several other countries would support this move with troops. In the case of Helmand, Denmark sent 750 troops while Estonia would increase their Helmand force to 150 soldiers.[http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom1/CoalitionPages/Denmark.htm "Danish Military Liaison Team to United States Central Command "]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Scotsman 17 July 2006 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1221120&C=landwar "Estonia To Increase Troops in Afghanistan"]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Defensenews.com 3 November 2005

Local Taliban figures voiced opposition to the incoming force and pledged to resist it.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4940832.stm "Taleban threat to kill UK troops"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610075752/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4940832.stm |date=2021-06-10 }}. BBC News 25 April 2006.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5057154.stm "Taleban vow to defeat UK troops"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512115153/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5057154.stm |date=2022-05-12 }}. BBC News 7 June 2006.

File:US Navy 090411-N-8547M-011 A Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 uses an up-armored front end loader to fill HESCO barriers during a project at Camp Bastion.jpg

Before the main deployment, the Royal Engineers constructed a central fortification, Camp Bastion, to serve as a main base. A camp for an Afghan force (Camp Shorabak, initially for 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps) was built nearby. On 1 May, the US OEF force was relieved in a ceremony.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4961368.stm "UK troops take over Afghan duties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307170752/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4961368.stm |date=2008-03-07 }} BBC News 1 May 2006. At the same time, the United States began a major offensive, Operation Mountain Thrust, against the insurgency in south Afghanistan. This brought ISAF forces into open conflict with the Taliban.[https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-06-19-taliban-afghanistan-cover_x.htm?csp=34 "Revived Taliban waging 'full-blown insurgency'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310183542/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-06-19-taliban-afghanistan-cover_x.htm?csp=34 |date=2012-03-10 }} USA Today 20 June 2006.

British forces originally tried to provide security to reconstruction, but instead became engaged in combat. Platoon houses were soon established in northern settlements, due to pressure from the provincial governor for an aggressive stance.[https://web.archive.org/web/20061006124932/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F10%2F02%2Fwtroops02.xml "Paras almost retreated under Taliban assault"] The Telegraph 2 October 2006. However, these quickly became a focus for heavy fighting.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2350705,00.html "Troops die as UK holds back Afghan reinforcements"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113064530/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2350705,00.html |date=2008-01-13 }} The Times 10 September 2006 . One of these was in Sangin, which was cut off and surrounded by the Taliban in early July. Eleven soldiers were killed in Sangin District over the subsequent period. On 16 July, with support from American and Canadian forces, 200 paratroopers were airlifted to take the town.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5183052.stm "UK troops take Taleban stronghold"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219134605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5183052.stm |date=2008-12-19 }} BBC News 16 July 2006[http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1035902006 "Siege of Sangin crushed"] The Scotsman 17 July 2006

In early August, 500 paratroopers and Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were airlifted to Musa Quala after violence flared around the platoon house. One British soldier was killed in the battle.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OperationSnakebiteDislodgesTalibanForcesInMusaQaleh.htm "Operation Snakebite dislodges Taliban Forces in Musa Qaleh"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018093718/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OperationSnakebiteDislodgesTalibanForcesInMusaQaleh.htm |date=2006-10-18 }} Ministry of Defence 8 August 2006. On 25 August, several hundred soldiers were involved in a second operation to escort a group of Afghan policemen as a show of force.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BritishAndAfghanForcesFlexTheirMusclesInMusaQaleh.htm "British and Afghan forces flex their muscles in Musa Qaleh"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206211444/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BritishAndAfghanForcesFlexTheirMusclesInMusaQaleh.htm |date=2012-02-06 }} Ministry of Defence 25 August 2006.

File:Soldiers in Briefing at RSOI in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan MOD 45154541.jpg

The Taliban made direct assaults on the British-held compounds, attacking with small arms fire, RPGs, and mortar rounds at short range. The British responded with airstrikes and artillery, often aimed right outside their compound walls, in what became a close quarters battle.

Casualties increased on both sides, with many more Taliban casualties as their assault had exposed them to the full scope of NATO's heavier firepower. Numbers of civilian casualties and damage to local infrastructure increased. The NATO forces grew increasingly concerned that they were alienating residents with heavy-handed tactics, in spite of their intention to win "hearts and minds". It was also becoming clear that the British did not have the number of troops and helicopters to sustain the platoon house strategy indefinitely under the circumstances. Realising that the situation could not carry on unchanged, British commanders approached local tribal leaders to organise a temporary ceasefire.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-2383232,00.html "British troops in secret truce with the Taliban"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007040601/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-2383232,00.html |date=2008-10-07 }} The Times . 1 October 2006 .{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6060384.stm|title=Can change in Afghan tactics bring peace?|website=BBC News|date=17 October 2006|access-date=20 October 2006|archive-date=9 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109022839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6060384.stm|url-status=live}}

Through pressure from the local tribal elders and their mounting casualties, the Taliban agreed to withdraw from the contested towns at the same time as the British, having been unable to realise their goal of forcibly expelling the foreign troops. NATO estimated Taliban losses over the summer period to be around 1,000 killed in Helmand alone.{{cite web|url=http://billroggio.com/archives/2006/06/taliban_losses_in_af.php|title=Taliban losses in Afghanistan, gains in Pakistan - FDD's Long War Journal|date=25 June 2006|access-date=23 May 2007|archive-date=30 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030073814/http://billroggio.com/archives/2006/06/taliban_losses_in_af.php|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/12/wafghan12.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060921132152/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F09%2F12%2Fwafghan12.xml|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-09-21|title=News|access-date=2021-09-14}}

The British commander, Brigadier Ed Butler, later said the deal had come just 48 hours before Musa Quala was planned to be abandoned because of the risks support helicopters were taking. As a result of the deal, British forces peacefully withdrew from the settlement in mid October.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UkTroopsRedeployFromMusaQalaAsAfghanGovernmentHandsSecurityToLocalElders.htm "UK troops redeploy from Musa Qala as Afghan Government hands security to local elders"] {{Webarchive|url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090430155031/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UkTroopsRedeployFromMusaQalaAsAfghanGovernmentHandsSecurityToLocalElders.htm |date=2009-04-30 }} Ministry of Defence 18 October 2006.

The truce drew criticism from American commanders who believed it showed a sign of weakness on NATO's part{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}. The deal would again be called into question when the Taliban retook the town of Musa Qala by surprise in February 2007, following the killing of a leading commander in an American airstrike.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6324409.stm|title=Taleban forces retake Afghan town|website=BBC News|date=2 February 2007|access-date=23 May 2007|archive-date=4 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204012028/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6324409.stm|url-status=live}} The town was eventually retaken by British and Afghan forces.

File:UK Troops Leaving Afghanistan MOD 45158169.jpg

By late September, 31 British soldiers had died in Afghanistan over the year. Corporal Mark Wright, was posthumously awarded the George Cross and Corporal Bryan Budd was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Armed Forces' highest awards for gallantry. Brigadier Butler declared the Taliban to have been "tactically defeated" for the time being.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6060384.stm "Can change in Afghan tactics bring peace?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109022839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6060384.stm |date=2006-11-09 }} BBC News 17 October 2006.

The stress of operations was admitted to be unexpected by the Ministry of Defence,[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5358654.stm "Taleban fight 'hard but winnable'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614220803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5358654.stm |date=2010-06-14 }}. BBC News 19 September 2006. and there was increasing pressure to send more forces to Helmand.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5136594.stm "'Aircraft needed' in Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060705061958/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5136594.stm |date=2006-07-05 }}. BBC News 1 July 2006. Lieutenant General David J. Richards said that this was the heaviest persistent combat the British Armed Forces had experienced since the Korean War or the Second World War.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4779321.stm "UK general warns of Afghan threat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110180745/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4779321.stm |date=2012-11-10 }} BBC News 10 August 2006.

As a result, Operation Herrick was increased to 7,700 personnel.[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/1400ExtraUkTroopsToDeployToAfghanistan.htm "1,400 extra UK troops to deploy to Afghanistan"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926223315/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/1400ExtraUkTroopsToDeployToAfghanistan.htm |date=September 26, 2007 }} Ministry of Defence 26 February 2007. Additional aircraft, artillery pieces (including 4 GMLRS) and armoured vehicles (such as Warrior IFVs), an additional Platoon of Snipers were also sent.{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BritishTroopsToBeArmedWith60kmSnipervideo.htm|title=British troops to be armed with "60km Sniper" (VIDEO)|access-date=2007-06-05|archive-date=2007-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609153138/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BritishTroopsToBeArmedWith60kmSnipervideo.htm|url-status=live}}

{{main|Battle of Musa Qala}}

File:3 Para Helmand 2007.jpg

As of December 8, 2007, an alleged 2000 Taliban rebels occupied Musa Qala. Coalition forces prepared for a siege of the town. Operation Mar Karadad [http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2007/12/09/fight-to-the-death-98487-20224055/ Sunday Mirror Article. Fight to Death] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212055615/http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2007/12/09/fight-to-the-death-98487-20224055/ |date=2007-12-12 }} (translated as Operation Snakebite) was commanded by HQ Task Force Helmand, a bolstered HQ 52 Infantry Brigade, supported by 82nd Airborne Task Force Corsair. Afghan troops supported by British, Danish and US troops fought for control of the town, which was a major Taliban drug trafficking station and the Taliban's only occupied village in the strategically crucial Helmand province. It was considered to be of symbolic importance to both international forces and insurgents operating in the area.

There has been some civilian evacuation, partly aided by the aerial dropping of leaflets warning of the impending battle. In preparation, it was believed that the village was heavily mined by Taliban fighters. Sergeant Lee Johnson of the 2nd Bn The Yorkshire Regiment was killed shortly after 10am on 8 December 2007, whilst taking part in an operation to recapture the town, when a land mine exploded.{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/yorkshire_regiment/news/regimental_news.htm#9december07|title=Yorkshire Regiment News Page|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307093804/http://www.army.mod.uk/yorkshire_regiment/news/regimental_news.htm#9december07|archive-date=2009-03-07}} The Taliban insurgents withdrew from the area by midday on 10 December leaving the Afghan army and NATO forces in control of the town.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7135850.stm|title=Afghan troops take Taleban town|website=BBC News|date=10 December 2007|access-date=16 June 2012|archive-date=14 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214212905/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7135850.stm|url-status=live}} This was the major operation of Operation HERRICK 7 for Task Force Helmand.

{{Main|Operation Volcano}}

In early February 2007, at the end of a six-week operation, the Royal Marines cleared 25 Taliban compounds in the proximity of the Kajaki hydroelectric dam in order to allow repair work to be conducted on the machinery.{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarinesClearTalibanFromKeyAfghanDamvideo.htm|title=Marines clear Taliban from key Afghan dam (VIDEO)|access-date=2007-06-01|archive-date=2007-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208082407/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarinesClearTalibanFromKeyAfghanDamvideo.htm|url-status=dead}}

File:BritishPatrolHelmand01.jpg

{{Main|Operation Achilles}}

In between early March to late May 2007, the British led Operation Achilles, NATO's drive to push the Taliban out of Helmand.

In early May 2007 Operation Silver, a sub-operation of Achilles, successfully expelled Taliban fighters from the town of Sangin. It was followed in mid-May by Operation Silicon, where British led forces removed the Taliban from Gereshk and much of the surrounding countryside. The Royal Engineers then set up three camps in the area for the Afghan National Army. The book "The Junior Officers Reading Club" documents Operation Silicon.

{{Main| Operation Pickaxe-Handle}}

A follow-up to Achilles, Operation Lastay Kulang was launched on 30 May 2007 near the village of Kajaki Sofle, 10 kilometres to the southwest of Kajaki, to remove a Taliban force encamped there. A force of 1000 British troops, another thousand ISAF soldiers, and elements of the Afghan National Army moved into the area to confront the insurgents. On the night of 30 May the American 82nd Airborne Division conducted an air assault on enemy positions during which one of their Chinook helicopters crashed, apparently due to enemy fire, killing five Americans, a Briton and a Canadian.{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UkledOperationHelpsIsafTakeControlInNorthernHelmandvideo.htm|title=UK-led operation helps ISAF take control in northern Helmand (VIDEO)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607001052/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UkledOperationHelpsIsafTakeControlInNorthernHelmandvideo.htm|archive-date=2007-06-07}}

By the second of June, ISAF and Afghan forces had isolated several pockets of insurgent fighters in the north and south of the Upper Sangin valley. In an effort to win over local support, the Royal Engineers have started work on several reconstruction projects, such as digging irrigation ditches to help farmers in the area.{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SuccessOfSanginOperationAllowsTroopsToEngageWithAfghanLocals.htm|title=Success of Sangin operation allows troops to engage with Afghan locals|access-date=2007-06-05|archive-date=2007-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070606234203/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SuccessOfSanginOperationAllowsTroopsToEngageWithAfghanLocals.htm|url-status=live}} Operation Lastay Kulang is described in the book, Attack State Red, about the Royal Anglian Battle Group in Helmand.

File:British soldier with ANA local.jpg

By late May 2007 the Taliban spring offensive promised for March 2007 had failed to materialise. This is put down in part to the massive casualties the Taliban took while trying to storm British strongholds across Helmand and by systematic attacks on their mid-level commanders during operations over the winter, which has hampered their ability to coordinate large troop movements.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552398/Taliban-stalled-by-lack-of-commanders.html|title=Taliban 'stalled by lack of commanders'|website=The Telegraph|date=23 May 2007 |access-date=2018-04-01|archive-date=2017-09-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161041/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552398/Taliban-stalled-by-lack-of-commanders.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/18/news/afghan.php |title=Major Taliban offensive hasn't materialized, NATO general says - International Herald Tribune |access-date=2007-05-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715115624/http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/18/news/afghan.php |archive-date=2007-07-15 }}

The Daily Telegraph reported{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552398/Taliban-stalled-by-lack-of-commanders.html|title=Taliban 'stalled by lack of commanders'|first=Thomas Harding in Lashkah|last=Gah|date=23 May 2007 |access-date=2018-04-01|archive-date=2017-09-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161041/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1552398/Taliban-stalled-by-lack-of-commanders.html|url-status=live}} that they wouldn't "discount the Taliban as a spent force just yet", as an "increase in enemy tempo" was expected. As of October 2008 the number of clashes has risen from five a day to 15, lasting from 10 minutes to 11 hours.

In a new development, it has been reported that the Taliban may be recruiting child soldiers from the tribal areas of neighbouring Pakistan to fight coalition forces.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6731389.stm|title=Recruiting Taleban 'child soldiers'|website=BBC News|date=12 June 2007|access-date=12 June 2007|archive-date=18 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618160148/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6731389.stm|url-status=live}}

In February 2008 the Taliban prepared for the summer offensive with a number of attacks on JTAC Hill.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2008/02/18/outnumbered-british-troops-hold-out-at-afghan-fort-against-taliban-89520-20323237/Outnumbered British troops hold out at Afghan fort against Taliban] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

File:Prince Harry (17191365557).jpg in military uniform, 2015]]

On 28 February an American website, the Drudge Report, reported that Prince Harry, a member of the Household Cavalry, was operating as a Forward Air Controller on JTAC Hill with a Gurkha unit. The MoD had made agreements with the British and a few other countries' media not to reveal that he was there until he came home or the news was otherwise released. An Australian weekly women's magazine New Idea initially broke the story in January, but it was not followed up at the time. New Idea editors claimed ignorance of any news blackout. Then a German newspaper, the Berliner Kurier, published a short piece on 28 February 2008, also before Drudge.

In September 2012, Prince Harry, who was known as Captain Wales, deployed with 3 Regiment Army Air Corps to Helmand Province,{{cite web |title=A statement by The Ministry of Defence announcing Prince Harry has arrived in Afghanistan to begin tour of duty |url=https://www.royal.uk/statement-ministry-defence-announcing-prince-harry-has-arrived-afghanistan-begin-tour-duty |website=royal.uk |date=7 September 2012 |access-date=3 December 2021 |archive-date=3 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203160453/https://www.royal.uk/statement-ministry-defence-announcing-prince-harry-has-arrived-afghanistan-begin-tour-duty |url-status=live }} where he completed an operational tour as an Apache attack helicopter co-pilot gunner, part of the UK Joint Aviation Group, itself part of the US Marine Expeditionary Force.

{{Main| Operation Eagle's Summit}}

In late August one of the largest operations by British and NATO forces in Helmand province took place, with the aim of bringing electricity to the region. A convoy of 100 vehicles took five days to move massive sections of an electric turbine for the Kajaki Dam, covering {{convert|180|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The operation involved 2,000 British troops, 1,000 other NATO troops from Australia, Canada, Denmark and the US, and 1,000 Afghan soldiers.

The Canadians covered the first leg and the British took over at a meeting point in the desert, using 50 BvS 10 Viking armoured vehicles to escort the convoy. Hundreds of special forces troops went in first, sweeping the area and although difficult to verify, British commanders estimated that more than 200 insurgents were killed, without any NATO casualties. British BAe Harrier GR9 and AgustaWestland Apaches, Dutch, French and US aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones provided aerial reconnaissance and fire support.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7593901.stm|title=UK troops in huge turbine mission|website=BBC News|date=2 September 2008|access-date=3 September 2008|archive-date=9 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909150022/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7593901.stm|url-status=live}} The turbine was finally commissioned in October 2016.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-03 |title=Installation of Turbine Generator Unit 2 at Kajaki Dam Hydropower Plant |url=https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/installation-turbine-generator-unit-2-kajaki-dam-hydropower-plant |access-date=2024-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703155108/https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/installation-turbine-generator-unit-2-kajaki-dam-hydropower-plant |archive-date=3 July 2019 }}

File:FOB Shawqat Closure MOD 45156054.jpg

• OP Panchai Palang between 19 June 2009 and July 2009
• Garmsir Area of Operations handed from Task Force Helmand (TFH) to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) during June 2009
• Operation Moshtarak starts during February 2010
• Musa Qaleh Area of Operations handed from TFH to I Marine Expeditionary Force (1 MEF) during March 2010.
• Kajaki Area of Operations handed from TFH to 1 MEF during June 2010.
• Sangin Area of Operations handed from TFH to 1 MEF during September 2010.
• OP Qalai Sharqay during May 2011.
• Lead security for Lashkar Gah transferred to ANSF during July 2011.

File:British army Lt. Col. Alistair Aitken, commanding officer, Combined Forces Lashkar Gah, and Warrant Officer Evan Philbin, with Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, discuss mission objectives 110716-M-SM240-701.jpg.]]

File:Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter firing flares over Afghanistan MOD 45158742.jpg

During Operation Herrick a wide variety of equipment was used by the British Army:

• Mastiff 1 from December 2006 and withdrawn during H 17.
• Mastiff 2 from June 2009.
• Snatch Vixen from 2008.
• Lightweight remote control vehicle from November 2008.{{sfn|LandWarfareCentre|2015|p=3-6-2}}
• Dragon Runner from November 2008.{{sfn|LandWarfareCentre|2015|p=3-6-2}}
• HORN Detector from May 2011.{{sfn|LandWarfareCentre|2015|p=3-6-3}}
• RWMIK withdrawn during H 14
• Snatch Vixen withdrawn during H 14
• Jackal 1 withdrawn during H 17
• M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System withdrawn during H 17
• Trojan Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers

{{Main| British Forces casualties in Afghanistan since 2001}}

File:Camp Bastion Memorial Wall Vigil MOD 45158077.jpg]]

As of 24 July 2015, British forces had suffered 454 fatalities.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/fields-of-operation/afghanistan |title=British fatalities - Operations in Afghanistan - British fatalities in Afghanistan |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=24 July 2015 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725021450/https://www.gov.uk/government/fields-of-operation/afghanistan |url-status=live }}

404 fatalities are classed as "killed in action", and 49 are a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death pending the outcome of an investigation.

615 people were seriously or very seriously wounded and 2,187 people were wounded in action.{{sfn|LandWarfareCentre|2015|p=28}}

The Net Additional Costs from 2001 to 2018 of Operation Herrick were £22.2 billion. This is costs above the normal running costs of the forces involved and the normal budgetary annual unexpected operations allowance, so is less than both the total costs and the marginal extra costs of the operation. The bulk of the spending was from 2006 to 2014.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/788304/13682.pdf |title=Net Additional Costs of UK Military Operations from financial years 1998-99 to 2017-18 |id=FOI2018/13682 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=2 November 2018 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816140850/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/788304/13682.pdf |url-status=live }}

According to Investment in Blood, a book by former government adviser Frank Ledwidge, the MOD estimated costs of all military operations in the Afghanistan war to 2012 at about £25 billion. Ledwidge estimated total British government costs were £37 billion ($56.5 billion) to 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/30/afghanistan-war-cost-britain-37bn-book |location=London |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Richard |last=Norton-Taylor |title=Afghanistan war has cost Britain more than £37bn, new book claims |date=30 May 2013 |access-date=18 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221064005/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/30/afghanistan-war-cost-britain-37bn-book |archive-date=21 February 2017 |url-status=live}}

• United Kingdom in the Soviet-Afghan War
• Operation Herrick order of battle
• International Security Assistance Force
• Provincial reconstruction team
• Battle of Musa Qala
• Battle of Now Zad
• Siege of Sangin
• Attack State Red

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last1=LandWarfareCentre |first1=AD |title=Operation Herrick Campaign Study |year=2015 |publisher= MoD |location= Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, Wiltshire, UK }}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20121125003241/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/InDepth/OperationsInAfghanistan.htm Operations in Afghanistan - Ministry of Defence]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050513213345/http://www.northwood.mod.uk/ops/afghan/afghan.htm Operations in Afghanistan - Permanent Joint Headquarters]

{{Military operations in the war in Afghanistan}}

{{War on Terror}}

Category:Al-Qaeda

Category:British Army deployments

Category:21st-century Royal Air Force deployments

*

Category:Wars involving the Taliban

Category:International Security Assistance Force