Key dates in UK’s involvement in 20-year Afghan conflict

Here is a timeline of the UK’s involvement in a war that has left Britons asking themselves “What was it all for?”

Some 456 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan and the Government has spent more than £22 billion (€26bn) on the 20-year conflict.

Now, with the Taliban on the verge of taking full control of the country, the speed of the capitulation of the Afghan security forces has taken even the most pessimistic commentators by surprise.