UK troops are in Afghanistan in support of a United Nations-authorised, NATO-led mission, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and as part of the US-led international coalition, Operation Enduring Freedom. Both forces remain in Afghanistan at the invitation of the Afghan Government.

International Security Assistance Force

ISAF is undertaking three vital tasks in Afghanistan:

• supporting the Afghan Government as it extends its authority across the entire country
• facilitating development and reconstruction
• improving security.

ISAF has helped to improve the security situation both in Kabul and the regions through Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). These joint international civilian-military teams are designed to help the central government increase its influence.

The expansion of ISAF into the south and east of Afghanistan in 2006 means the Force now commands over 43,000 troops from 39 nations across the whole of Afghanistan. Around 7,800 UK Armed Forces personnel are playing a critical role in ISAF.

The UK plays a leading role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, including areas of:

• security Sector Reform (see below)
  • demobilising and disarming the militias
  • building an accountable national army and national police force under democratic control
  • tackling the drugs trade
  • building a legal system
• developing an independent media
• supporting cultural development
• increasing the recognition of human rights.

UK Provincial Reconstruction Team

On 1 May 2006 the UK assumed command of the PRT in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.  The PRT is situated in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, and is supported by the UK’s Task Force Helmand. The PRT is pursuing activities in the fields of:

• governance
• economic and social development
• counter-narcotics and security/rule of law.

Security Sector Reform

The solution to Afghanistan’s security problems must lie in building up indigenous security and law enforcement forces. These must be capable of addressing the sources of instability and allowing the central government to project its authority in the regions.

The UK sees Security Sector Reform (SSR) as the best way of establishing stability outside Kabul in the long term. We are working with the Afghan Government and international partners to ensure that swift progress is made on SSR.