Prime Minister David Cameron thanks the troops : `` You make our country proud '' His surprise visit comes after announcing reduction from 9,500 to 5,200 troops by end of 2013 . The announcement came as part of a package that includes an increase in defence spending and cuts to public sector jobs.
Prime Minister David Cameron thanks the troops : `` You make our country proud '' His surprise visit comes after announcing reduction from 9,500 to 5,200 troops by end of 2013 . Britain has lost 438 troops since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001 .