Watchtowers stood empty as Camp Bastion was attacked

There were calls today for an inquiry into the devastating Taliban attack on Camp Bastion after it emerged fewer than half the base’s watchtowers were manned when militants struck.

Defence officials confirmed only 11 of the Afghan base’s 24 towers were in use when the suicide raid was launched in September 2012.

The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that officers in charge of Camp Bastion’s security have been promoted since the attack.

The news comes as a Commons Committee considers launching its own probe which may see Defence Secretary Philip Hammond publicly grilled.

Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker told the Standard: “So far we have had very few answers. The US government carried out an investigation into what happened and published its findings. The UK government should do the same.”

The attack killed two US marines, destroyed six US jets and left 17 US and UK personnel wounded.

Tory MP and Chair of the Commons Defence Committee James Arbuthnot said: “We intend to take evidence on it, but are in discussion with the MoD about the form that evidence should take. We shall not let the matter drop.”