Britain hands over Helmand command

Britain's command of military operations in Helmand Province has been handed over in the latest step in the UK drawdown from Afghanistan. In a milestone for British involvement in the conflict, UK troops in Helmand will come under the command of an American general, as British-led Task Force Helmand comes to an end and British forces left in Afghanistan become part of the US-led Regional Command (South West). It is the latest in a series of steps marking Britain's withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan - due to be complete by the end of this year. Last month the MoD announced the closure or handover of three frontline bases...