British troops hand over Nahr-e Saraj base to the Afghans
Pictured Right: Lance Corporal Joe Davies, 26 yrs, of Second Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, plays the bagpipes at revaille on the morning of the close down of Patrol Base Ouellette
The base, which is situated on Route 611 in the district of Nahr-e Saraj, had been home to UK Armed Forces since July 2011. Its transfer is part of an ongoing base reduction programme which is expected to leave just four forward bases in central Helmand in addition to Camp Bastion by the end of October 2013.
The handover comes as British forces no longer routinely provide support to Afghan forces in Nahr-e Saraj District which was marked by a ceremony held by Afghan officials.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1 RRF) had been stationed at PB Ouellette over the summer to assist the ANCOP in providing security on Route 611. Security for Route 611 is now entirely conducted by the ANCOP who will retain the base as part of their force structure in the area.
Base reductions are discussed closely with the local Afghan forces to ensure the best solution as part of the ANSF’s enduring presence in the area.
Route 611 is a crucial link between northern Helmand and the provincial capital Lashkar Gah. Security along the route is key to the freedom of movement for locals, which in turn promotes governance and economic development. Brigadier Rupert Jones, Commander Task Force Helmand, said: “The handover of Patrol Base Ouellette is another indicator of the progress of the Afghan security forces as a whole that we have seen across central Helmand this summer. This progress has enabled us to reduce our forward bases one by one.
“As we come to the closing stages of what is typically the fighting season it’s a good moment to reflect on the reality that the Afghan National Security Forces have done exceptionally well. They have very firmly have held the momentum in Helmand over the insurgent all the way through.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, Commanding Officer 1 RRF, said: “Over the last six months we have seen a lot of development in this part of Nahr-e Saraj district. Until recently, this was one of the most contested areas in central Helmand. The improvement in security is, in large part, thanks to the efforts of the ANCOP to reduce the threat to locals who use the road.
“It has been pleasing to see that each time the ANCOP have developed they have taken on more responsibility for security in the area and that has led us to this stage where we can hand the base over to the Afghans as they provide security now and into the future.”
Pictured above: An armoured Caterpillar digger from the Royal Engineers removes debris as the defences are taken down as part of the closure of Patrol Base Ouelette. Pictures by Sergeant Dan Bardsley RLC
