Afghan Pull-Out a ‘Dark Chapter in UK Military History’: Defence Committee Chair

Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade who returned from helping in operations to evacuate people from Kabul airport in Afghanistan walk to the air terminal after disembarking a RAF Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, England, on Aug. 28, 2021. Alastair Grant/PA

Britain’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 was a “dark chapter in UK military history,” a senior Conservative MP has said.

The UK’s involvement in Afghanistan began as part of a U.S.-led coalition in 2001, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Some 457 UK military personnel lost their lives during the 20-year war, which cost British taxpayers more than £27 billion ($33 billion).