RASC News Agency: A comprehensive report by the British Parliament reveals that the United Kingdom allocated $30 billion over two decades of military operations in Afghanistan, during which 457 British soldiers lost their lives. The report specifies that 405 of these casualties were combat-related, with the most significant losses occurring in 2009 and 2010, when over 100 soldiers were killed annually in Helmand Province, a volatile region in southern Afghanistan. Furthermore, 616 soldiers sustained critical injuries, while 7,807 were treated in field hospitals. Air evacuations were arranged for 7,477 personnel requiring immediate medical attention.
The total cost of Britain’s military presence, adjusted for future valuations, is estimated at approximately $40 billion. Initial expenses between 2001 and 2002 ranged from $510 million to $610 million annually. These costs temporarily declined to about $130 million per year but soared to an average of $1.7 billion annually from 2005 to 2010, coinciding with intensified operations in Helmand Province. Peak annual expenditures surpassed $7.1 billion.
In addition to military efforts, the UK facilitated the resettlement of 29,700 Afghanistani citizens through specialized evacuation programs distinct from its general asylum framework. These individuals were relocated under two dedicated humanitarian initiatives. The report highlights that from 2021 to 2023, Afghanistani refugees received the highest levels of humanitarian aid compared to migrants from other countries. During this period, 36,000 Afghanistani individuals were admitted under emergency resettlement schemes, marking the largest intake from any single nationality.
