Minister adds detail to troop pullout

Mr Hammond told MPs most of the 500 troops due to leave by Christmas would be combat soldiers – and claimed improvements in Afghan security forces meant it was safe for them to return home.

He said: “These measures will reduce the UK’s enduring conventional force levels to 9,000 and will be completed by the end of this year.”

Mr Hammond said a reorganisation of local headquarters in parts of Afghanistan would free up more soldiers and save money, with another 200 combat troops being transferred to support Afghan national security forces (ANSF).

He added: “Whatever role is being fulfilled, including the training of ANSF, British forces in Afghanistan will retain combat capability until the end of 2014.”

As the casualty list rose, the government announced all UK forces would pull out of combat roles in the war-torn country by the end of 2014.

Making a Commons statement, Mr Hammond said the first 500 were able to come home because ANSF were taking responsibility for more parts of the nation.

He pointed to recent successes in Afghan-led operations, but admitted this month’s “spectacular” attack in the capital Kabul by insurgents was a reminder of the Taleban’s potential to strike in the heart of the country.

He said: “This has been a critical period for the mission, for UK forces, for ISAF and, significantly, for the ANSF.

“Our combined efforts have arrested the momentum of the insurgency.”