Gordon Brown meeting troops in Camp Bastion

Gordon Brown visited Camp Bastion to thank British troops for their role in Operation Master Act against the Taliban. He announced the next phase, Afghanisation, focusing on training Afghan forces. Brown pledged additional resources, including police trainers and metal detectors, and plans to replace snatch vehicles. His visit, the eighth to the country, was seen by some as a political maneuver ahead of elections.

What operation was Gordon Brown thanking the military for during his visit?

How did the timing of Gordon Brown's visit attract accusations of a political stunt?