The Desert Rats, the 7th Armoured Brigade, have taken over command in Helmand Province, marking the start of the second-to-last British troop deployment to Afghanistan. A ceremony at Camp Bastion formalised the handover as part of the UK's Operation Herrick mission.
Brigadier Rupert Jones, one of the departing commanders, spoke to the BBC's David Loyn about the transition. He highlighted the progress made and the challenges ahead as the UK prepares to complete its combat mission in Afghanistan.
The 7th Armoured Brigade, known as the Desert Rats, has a storied history dating back to World War II. Their current deployment is part of the gradual drawdown of British forces, with the final troops expected to leave by the end of 2014.
During the ceremony, the brigade assumed responsibility for training and advising Afghan forces, a key component of the transition strategy. The handover underscores the UK's commitment to supporting Afghanistan's security forces as they take full control.
