Building snowmen in the desert: Winter in Afghanistan

If asked, most would comment on Afghanistan’s climate as hot, dusty and dry, but did you know that much of the country is blanketed by snow in the winter months?

Despite the harsh winter weather conditions, UK and NATO troops continue to work alongside the Afghan forces, training, advising and assisting them in the battle for peace in the country.

Deployed on Operation TORAL, British soldiers are hard at work providing protection for NATO advisors, escorting them through the deadly, winding streets of Kabul, meanwhile the Royal Air Force fly troops above the mountainous city to locations further afield.

• Find our more about Op TORAL
• More on the UK’s contribution to NATO

Here are their photographs from a snow season like no other: 👇

British troops at the HLS of a snow-covered Camp Qargha, far into the mountains east of Kabul.

The dramatic mountains of the Hindu Kush surround the city of Kabul, pictured here on a routine flight above the city.

A RAF advisor and his force protection element while on an advising mission in Kabul.

Compounds and villages can be seen on the outskirts of Kabul. Can you spot the Puma helicopter?

A RAF Puma helicopter

RAF Pilot at the controls of their Puma helicopter high above Afghanistan.

The dense population of Kabul.

On the ground, British soldiers regularly carry out training.

A British soldier on Op TORAL in Afghanistan

Read more about the UK Armed Forces’ work in Afghanistan here:

Are British soldiers still in Afghanistan? Here’s three things you need to know.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here: