Kabul, October 28 (RHC)-- U.S. and British forces have formally ended combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. On Sunday, the NATO occupation handed over formal control to the Afghan military.

Helmand is the center of Afghanistan’s drug trade, housing more than 80 percent of the poppy growth used for heroin. The New York Times reports "the Taliban have never been stronger in [Helmand]," claiming large areas around government centers and rural districts.

The handover comes amid the deadliest six-month period for Afghan forces since the war began 13 years ago. The handover also marks the end of British combat operations inside Afghanistan, while around 10,000 American forces will remain.