British forces in southern Afghanistan have handed responsibility for security in Sangin district to American troops, the British and American militaries said Monday.
British forces have been in Sangin since 2006.
The transfer of authority was first announced by the British defense secretary in July.
It follows heavy British losses in the area, a Taliban stronghold.
British Defence Secretary Liam Fox acknowledged that "the level of sacrifice has been high" in praising the British mission in "one of the most challenging areas of Afghanistan."
NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the handover was possible because of the increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
British Royal Marines handed control of Sangin to the U.S. Marines, both sides said.
The switch of command in Sangin is not a defeat for British troops, but simply works well militarily, said Michael Clarke, director of the Royal United Services Institute, an independent defense and security think tank in London.
"It never made much military sense to put troops into the northern areas of Sangin, Musa Qala and Kajacki in the first place," Clarke said in July when Fox announced the plan.
"But in 2006 they were sent there at the insistence of [Afghan] President [Hamid] Karzai, and once established, any pullback would have represented a victory for the Taliban."
With the arrival of some 18,000 U.S. Marines in the region by the end of August, it makes sense for the British troops to reorganize themselves and reinforce their numbers in central Helmand, Clarke said.
It will make the British force more effective and safer, he said.
The political fallout of the move, however, is unpredictable, Clarke said.
When the Brits ended operations in the southern Iraqi city of Basra last year, it was under similar circumstances, but still appeared as a "furtive retreat," he said.
"The image at home that Britain was giving up a job it could no longer handle was impossible to shake off," Clarke said. "The same may attach to Sangin. This war is as much about image and perception as it is about who controls the ground in Afghanistan."
CNN's Melissa Gray contributed to this report.
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I wish the Brits the best. They have been good allies and friends of the US.
just want to let everyone know.. all these stupid comments that are posted, don't really mean anything does it?? considering you don't even know which unit replaced what unit. so unless you actually know a loved one in that area, you guys are just talking out of your poop hole for a good time. So unless you are over here. don't talk about what should or should not be going on.
No worries. We will stuff it up the Taliban's & Al Qaeda's behind, when all is said & done! Just watch!
Mehdi General Dr Bad
you see, Words are Waste of My Time. They Do Not Listen to Words or Nice. They Continue To Play Games.
September 24, 2010 at 6:02 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Mehdi General Dr Bad
IN form Sarah ,Her Mother, and HER Lawyer Ther Bail Is now revoked.
and they Both are now charged as well.
Thye now have 72 hours to Return To iran Inshallah.
September 24, 2010 at 5:30 pm | Report abuse | Reply
"Retard" on a stick.
Enough of the Brit/American arguments, i have done my time in Iraq, i can tell you from experience that both the American and British troops are very professional and dedicated to the mission, the movements that are being reported are not retreats, they are strategic re-deployments which always occur in fluid military operations, neither the British or American troops are going home, they are purely being redistributed for tactical reasons.
Had ANOTHER Vet Kill HIs Wife and Kidds in tennessee I hear, Dont See The STory? as usual.
NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT OR SEE THAT !!!!,
was lyndsay wearing panties in court? Thats what YOU care about.
FUK OFF AND DIE.
Inshallah.
Mahji General Mehdi Ahmed Abbadon
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
When the idiot bush invaded iraq,, Only The Brits Showed up to Help.
I did not join in with MY Armies until Basrah.
The amercians have fuked up ever truce and cease fire you and i have had .
americans are selfish greedy lying cowards.
what they say or do does not really matter.
I have no fight with you brits right now...
September 22, 2010 at 12:07 pm | Report abuse |
This pile of trash," Steadman or Stedman ' maybe"street name is "Brokin leg Bob ' and he is from Salem Oregon.
It will make the British force more effective and safer, he said.
Glad he is so candid: Isn't that nice for US troops!
Realize that stupid comments by some do not reflect the opinion of most of my countrymen here in the U.S. We are greatful and remember the support we got from the UK after 9/11 and hope that we showed the same support after 7/7. We have enemies in common and both of our countries are much better off working as we have together, and we both have had shared sacrafices in these endeavors. We are in a struggle against those who, given the chance, would inflict as much harm as they are able upon each of our homelands. We must never forget that.
i have a gift for Redding and Shasta County, on my way out. God Willing.
I just talked ot mY BIker freinds , and asked waht was up with all these bikers in Town.
seems the Hells Angels and The Vargas are in war with each other.
I Guess, The Hells Angels Gave Gary 24 hours to leave town.
seem some Gypsy Joker Named " Steadman ",is Teaching The Mexican's, how to Cook Meth,
NONE of " This " is " MY " ProbLem.
My Colors? " Free Soul "
gone.
I feel sorry for all the British soldiers who fought and died in Sangin securing areas .only to see the US command give it all back.But as a true ali I still wish the US marines good luck
If I remember correctly we helped in WW2 and when we did finally decide to bring our troops over, the war was over not long after. So don't hate on the US. And to all the idiots hating on the brits, if you read the article correctly they are not withdrawing, it just makes more sense for the american troops to hold that area because there are more of them.
You people are all brain dead. The Brits at least have enough common sense to realize there is no way in winning this conflict (Yes, I said conflict. I don't remember Congress declaring war. And we haven't learned since Korea you cannot win an undeclared war). Let the Americans now take the heavy casualties. Maskes sense to me................
Thank god the REAL marines are there now. People say " USA has no friends left in the world." Is that why we have military bases in all of your countries and you have none in ours?
Sgt USAir Force in Europe "USAFE"
1.Mahji General Mehdi Ahmed Abbadon
Jossie, I Just Checked yOUr website and you been hacked it says.
***://www.jossstone.com.br/test/ <-–– Look
"Hacked by GHoST61"
Aslýnda çok þeydir, Türk olmak. Türk olmak, Osmanlý’nýn borcunu ödemektir.
GHoST61 = P0WNED.
Next.
NOOOB!!!!!!
September 21, 2010 at 6:19 pm | Report abuse | Reply
OH and in case YOU missed it?
" Sarah " The Woman From Iran, And HER Mothers LIED To Get " HER Released".
Did They Even Think About It Endangering Those Two Youg Men?
Now They LIed to Get " Bail ", " I " Have EVERY " Right " To " Revoke " HER Bail as well as NOW Charge Those "Mothers".
THIS is ONE of Tha MANY thiings I do. God Willing. IT is UP TO ME. NOT YOU. YOU DO NOT MATTER.
Keep Americans working in wars overseas. Sorry, no jobs in America.
LarryKegel(US Army)
What President didn't have His Wife help with Elections??? Are They all using Their Wife Skirts??? Are maybe it is only Obama that can't do it??? You Racist are against anything He does!!!
lol,,,
My son is a US Marine and I saw the training he received and I met his buddies. all I can say is there is "No way in hell" you would want to go up against 18,000 of them in a fight!
The British handing over the sangin is a very good move on there part and ours. It gives the Brits time to pull back regroup and get a bit of relaxation time. 18000 marines is more then enough to handle the taliban. we will have them gone in no time. I have worked with the Brits in the Northern arabian gulf an had my fare share of close calls with the iranian navy and the Brits handle themselves with the utmost respect for the US and what we have done an sacrificed, an i have the utmost respect for them for what they have sacrificed.
because us&british troops need to kill civilian they dont care about humanity and murdering all afghan people.
I am not American. America and Capitalisim is the scapegoat of the world. Sure the USA does things that tick other countries off but im really sick of this transference of blame onto USA for all of ones woes. Every social system and political and religious system is flawed. Same with people do you know anyone is free of fault? Often the accuser has to look in the mirror to see the ugly truth.
*M*A*S*H
The anti British sentiments expressed in these comments I can assure you are not the sentiments of the majority of the U.S. People. I for one am truly gratefull, and appreciate the sacrifices made by all of our allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The people with negative comments are just little immature internet tough guys who are only here to cause trouble. They have probably never done a thing for anyone beside themselves and have no idea of the meaning of the words Unselfishness or Honor. Thanks for the help Lads. We appreciate it.
and obam runs for his wife's skirt AGAIN,
Michelle Obama to Campaign Across the Country
CBS News – Robert Hendin – 4 hours ago
Jossie, I Just Checked yOUr website and you been hacked it says.
***://www.jossstone.com.br/test/ <-----– Look
"Hacked by GHoST61"
Aslýnda çok þeydir, Türk olmak. Türk olmak, Osmanlý’nýn borcunu ödemektir.
GHoST61 = P0WNED.
Next.
NOOOB!!!!!!
,,,Jossie, I Just Checked yOUr website and you been hacked it says.
***://www.jossstone.com.br/test/ <-----– Look
stil not getting it huh?
go ask those pig's obama, bush,cheney,rove,clintons,carter,rumsfield,mychrsyatal,petrayus,mullen,
Wher eis MY Missing M.I.A. Army Nurse?
Inshallah.
hmm so you say,,,
Mehdi General Dr Bad, you are a sick man and if there is anyone in need of help it is you. You should pray for guidance.
its sad how europeans know very little of american history whilke I seem to know more about their opwn history than they do??? ps- i totally respect our british allies.. thats really all though...
Of all of the countries that Ally with us, I'd say that I have a ton of respect for the British. They are great allies. If they need to pull out, its ok. They are still involved elsewhere. But, don't talk about other nations, such as Germany, who only sends a couple of thousand troops.... God Bless America. I wish we weren't so misunderstood. Europe, if you hate us so much, you can handle the eventual islamic revoltion alone. Vlad Draculia and the Order of the Dragon wont be there to stop them at the games of Veinna this time (oh yes i know probly more european history than YOU!. and its sad that most of u know very little american history.. get on it.
what NO " Tweets" ?
OH it is oging ot get a LOT worse nOw< REAL Fast. For YOU.
Who Am I ?
Mahji General Mehdi Ahmed Abbadon, AlhumDilliah.
YOU did not like me Leading YOU Armies.
So NOW I have MY OWN. Alhumdilliah.
F*** the USA and the US Army if this is how ungrateful you are or our sacrifices in Sangin. How about Canada or Holland? Or France, Germany and therest of your 'allies'. Don't forget, the Americans started this so if you don't like it, don't start these things. god Save The Queen and God bless the British Army!
Well said, BAS.
The only reason NATO troops are there at all is so the septics can report that "COALITION forces" have bombed another mosque/school/wedding (delete as appropriate) every time one of their units goes nuts.
The US has made more scarifies than anyone else has made!!! So why sould We be asked to keep making more by Ourselves???
should (Sorry)
What about "scarifies" are you not sorry about that too?
BritishArmySupporter is just a troll.
I'm pretty sure the Taliban started this. Our attack on the Taliban was a response to the Islamic attack on the Twin Towers. Unlike the UK, we're not setting up Sharia courts and kissing Islam's ass.
Your grandparents didn't say that when they needed our help in WWII. Right or wrong, the bottom line is your military is leaving their post.
Good job, Taliban! You kicked English asses, soon turn of Americans. Further so!!!
I would count your blessings while you can, if I were you Russ.
If you thought the Russians were brutal, you've seen nothing yet.
Idiots.
Hellfire – the only instrument that can bring peace to afghanistan – in the same way Stinger did in the 70's.
Is the devil.
All Britts need braces!
All Septics need Sweatpants
Coemghen I think on this prestigious forum we all should see these burning issues purely from humanitarian angle as after all we all have one thing in common i.e our existence as human beings in this universe and we all, without any discrimination, are dependent on each other for our survival and better life. We are the one, having made our lives in hell and we are the one, can make it a heaven. What I have commented above is a historic fact, and you can in principle reject it by proving me wrong with equal facts. I think you need to know how to do at such world forum. I will appreciate if you can correct what I have, so for known as a political Scientist.
No, what you posted was opinion and misguided broad conclusions made from select snippets of history. You have no clue what drives American motives, so don't pretend you do. You're just another biased foreigner with a keyboard, nothing more.
"we all should see these burning issues purely from humanitarian angle"
LOL, waxing poetic are we...get a job
He is only trying to help...though he shouldn't try to bolster his comments with words like "fact". It sounds disingenuous and empty.
No it's me too!
It's a sensible move militarily! What's the point in the thousand-odd troops being in the middle of a US controlled area? They're hard to keep resupplied and they're separated from the other British troops further south. It's a simple reorganisation of forces. Besides, the UK's put enough blood and sweat into Helmand without much help from the US since 2006, only fair the US helps out, seeming as you have the troops.
Basically US failure in Afghanistan is their following of British Empire expansionist policies which Americans as a nation had already rejected and had fought a war for independence against British Imperialism in American continent. Americans founding fathers had replaced British Imperialism policy of divide and rule for expansionism with national ideals of Universal Justice, Equality and Fraternity. George Washington had advised NEUTRAL status in world politics to discourage wars in world and had suggested trade relations with other states for mutual benefits. After world war II after the fall of British Empire, preparedly got world leadership therefore had to rely on UK for running world affairs. This proved blessing in disguise for UK, AS once again they had a say and an opportunity to rule the world by making the USA sand bag. Today in Afghanistan, US invasion is totally against American national ideals, but exactly similar and in accordance with the British Imperialism. This mean yesterday USA was directly a British colony and today it is indirectly a neo colony. This change of guard above show how America despite world leadership so helpless before their ex Masters.
Spoken like a true foreigner, completely ignorant about America's motivations.
LARRY, probably you are too weak in history. Kindly visit a website johnperkins.org or read his book the confessions of Economic Hit Man and Rise of US world Empire then you will understand how and who have diverted you from your basic values and have made you a nation of usurpers, killers and expansionists. I am indeed a foreigner but John Perkins is US national, having served in US National Security Organisation NSA. I hope this will clear your vision and then you will join his mission to purge American soil of death merchants.
Will You quit using My Old Name for Your post!!!
bangash, instead of getting your history from anti-US blogs, perhaps you should read a real history book. I'd say you'd learn something, but I think you're too far gone in your brainwashing to learn anything that doesn't fit into your anti-American bias.
LOL, was that supposed to be some sorta profound lecture newby.
Leave him alone, can't you see he was trying to make a point. IT just took a few to many words to get there and it was a little on the simpleton side but still a great effort
Right, and your no stranger to the simpleton side. You and (yakobski)
I heard that
It's you're not your,.Pharoahnic pot head man god who can not spell
Bangash: I don't know who that is??? But it sure isn't Me... That is why I changed to this!!!
I am not American. America and Capitalisim is the scapegoat of the world. Sure the USA does things that tick other countries off but im really sick of this transference of blame onto USA for all of ones woes. Every social system and political and religious system is flawed. Same with people do you know anyone is free of fault? Often the accuser has to look in the mirror to see the ugly truth.
Interesting... I'm not sure if I should comment on the Brits retreat.
I'm not sure you should either.
Your country has few enough allies in this world as it is.
Hello BuckBlack, My comment to you is, don't call us when the UK is in need of support for any reason. I'm sure that the UK can handle any problems that may crop-up. After all, England was a superpower about 260 years ago, before your tiny little colony put you in your place. Long live King George, LOL. Cheers!
The Brits did a good job; they'd have done an even better one if their government had sent enough troops. Hey Marines: Get Some!
Why is it that the US has to supply the troops and spend the money Both??? Why doesn't NATO and England stay until the end like we are???
Yeah, nice job Brits! Since you have had casualities there, hand it over to the US troops. Why are we in Afghanistan again? Why do we need to loose our soldiers there?
Exactly. Pull out and pour more money into drones. They seem to be the most effective killing machines we have atm.
Wanna see the Taliban terrorized right out of their shorts. " Excalibur "
The L115A3 Long Range Sniper Rifle, 'the Silent Assassin' up to One mile away
Wasn't it to do with 9/11
Since we Brits are the second largest contingent you should direct your stupid comments at other nations.
It's comments like your thank make me wonder why we are bothering working with you, read black hearts, your army an't great
you are under a trap sir. In this column some use false names and make each other angry. But it is THE same person who write many comments in several names. Right now the best thing is to make Brits and US ANGRY WITH EACH OTHER BECAUSE,...
FOR SOME PEOPLE THIS IS A GAME WHICH PLAY ON OTHER PEOPLES LIVES AND THEIR DEDICATION...SOME HELP TERRORISTS AS I SEE THEIR COMMENTS IN THIS COLUMN.
DO NOT GET INTO THEIR TRAP.
Mr. Brit,
Do not listen to our ignorant people. Do no judge us off of one person's action. I myself am in the U.S. Military and after my year in Afghanistan and working with all the NATO forces I now have a great appreciation to all of the countries that are serving over there. I have friends in the military in other countries. I thank everyone for their sacrifice. Please do not listen to what seems like the "typical ignorant American".
Don't sweat it...we do appreciate your countries assistance. But we have some idiots here in America who have no idea what they are talking about now days.
Afganistan is like like a bees nest for radical islam. If you try to kill a bee its pretty usless unless you take the hive with it. If that doesn't paint the picture for you go to afganistan and start preaching peace, I bet you get stung. Thank you for supporting our troops.
Jazw: That is not completely right... Israel has never been in any war a long as it takes us!!! Because They can't afford to lose as many as We lose in wars...
Gee Thanks! We appreciate it. We wanted full responsibility anyway.
Good man! Take responsibility for your own actions – it is your war after all.
Your movies are lousy by the way.
To get the Tarriest so that they have no place to train!!!
" They " ,Lied. Again. Any one remember Niel Berg? Danny Pearl ?
American detained more than a year in Iran arrives in United States
CNN – Susan Candiotti – Sep 19, 2010
By the CNN Wire Staff (CNN) - Sarah Shourd, the American hiker released from an Iranian prison, told reporters Sunday that doctors in Oman have assured her that she is "physically well.
Wrong Answer.
Keep Americans in a war overseas. No jobs in America
'The Brits' have lost many hundreds of soldiers fighting in your pointless wars, and we have the guts to say enough! If you want to keep sending more soldiers to die in a war that cant be won – be our guest, but dont sit on your obese behind and critisize us for it.
Its sad to think that some people from the US are bad mouthing British troops that have fought alongside US troops,I dont think anyone can say they haven't done their duty or fought any less than any other army while losing so many men.Please dont bad mouth our troops and good luck to the US marines over there
The U.S. army needs your support and brains. The British have taken more casualties in proportion to the size of their country and the size of their army in Afghanistan than we have. In fact, they and Poland are our only true allies who not only routinely send troops into dangerous areas but do so with out a long list of exceptions, rules, "opt outs", and by laws.
I served in both the British Army and the USMC so I am pretty qualified to comment on both......you havent got a clue usarmysupporter..maybe you should join and find out???
Unless you stand out there and face to face with the enemy and get shot at then say more.There are lots out there that have lots of air to put out instead.