Britain withdrew its last military forces from southern Afghanistan on Monday after 13 years of fighting that has cost hundreds of British lives in some of the most violent regions of the country.

A ceremony at Kandahar airfield marked the departure of remaining Royal Air Force personnel after the final British base was handed over to Afghan forces in October.

Since 2001, Britain has suffered 453 military deaths during operations in Afghanistan.

"Britain's armed forces can take great pride in the completion of their deployment to southern Afghanistan," Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said in a statement.

"Thanks to their courage and dedication, the country has the best possible chance of a stable future. Our departure from Kandahar airfield therefore is an historic milestone."