Working for a stable and secure Afghanistan that is willing and able to counter terrorism remains a key objective for our work in Afghanistan. The UK played a leading role in the International Security Assistance Force mission. With NATO support, Afghan security forces now number around 330,000, the strongest in Afghan history. In January 2015 they assumed complete responsibility for the country’s security, a significant achievement and a tangible demonstration of the progress achieved to date. Recent well-publicised attacks have shown insurgent ambition to press for early impact following the announcement on 22 April of the start of their military campaign this year, in which they have declared Afghan Government and international institutions and civilian personnel as legitimate targets. We recognise and are ever mindful of the indiscriminate tragedy that this inflicts. Events have also illustrated the ability and determination of Afghan Defence and Security Forces to absorb pressure and to respond effectively. We expect this capability to broaden and to deepen as NATO’s Resolute Support Mission continues, of which the UK remains a key component.

We are aware of reports claiming that Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant/Daesh have gained a foothold in Afghanistan and that they are seeking to consolidate this. Together with Afghan and international counterparts, we are monitoring the situation closely.