Troops Can Leave Afghanistan 'Proud' By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent, in Camp Bastion British troops in Afghanistan can be proud of a "mission accomplished" as they prepare to pull out of the country next year, David Cameron has said. On an unannounced visit to Camp Bastion in the run-up to Christmas, the Prime Minister said the Armed Forces would be able to leave after a 12-year campaign having ensured it was no longer a terrorist stronghold. Speaking during his visit, Mr Cameron said troops could leave Afghanistan with their "heads held high." He said: "To me the absolute driving part of the mission is the basic level of security so that it doesn't become a haven for terror. That is the mission, that was the mission and I think we will have accomplished that mission and so our troops can be very proud of what they have done. David Cameron was travelling with Michael Owen and took top bunk It is likely to be Mr Cameron's last festive trip to the country as combat troops will have withdrawn by the end of 2014. Around 5,200 British troops are now based in Afghanistan, down from 9,000 at the start of the year. However, there are still fears of a Taliban resurgence once Western troops pull out and the first big test for security in the country will come with next year's election. Militants could target candidates and officials in a bid to undermine the political transition. The withdrawal of UK troops will be paused during the election period, to try and maintain stability, however, the pace will be upped again soon after. The Prime Minister arrives at Camp Bastion Mr Cameron said: "I said, back in 2010, that after the end of 2014 there would not be British troops in a combat role and we will stick to that. We are not going to abandon this country. We are going to go on funding the Afghan National Army and police into the future. We will have a development programme into the future and, of course, we are providing what the president of Afghanistan asked me for, which is an officer training academy in Kabul which will help provide the backbone of the Afghan National Army for the future. So, we have more than played our part in helping to rebuild this country and making it safe. Our commitment goes on into the future but our troops have done enough and it's time for them to come home. Last year during his Christmas visit, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Britain had "paid a heavy price" for its involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan. Mr Cameron greets troops who will pull out by the end of 2014 There have been 446 British service personnel killed in the fighting. Travelling with Mr Cameron this year was the footballer Michael Owen. The pair even shared a bunk bed together on the eight-hour flight in an Army plane. The Prime Minister insisted on having the top bunk - but it was the former England player who was the top dog in the eyes of the forces. Owen was there to launch a new partnership between the FA and Afghan football, providing training and helping the sport grow from grassroots to premier league. Despite offering a photo opportunity for Mr Cameron, there was a serious aim. Football is one of Britain's best-loved exports, and the military see this as a key way of strengthening relationships with the Afghans.