Canadian mission ends in Kandahar
Posted December 1, 2011 10:23 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Canadian flag was hauled down the for last time in Kandahar today.
The event — during an understated ceremony at Kandahar Airfield — marks the end of the country’s military presence in the war-wasted province.
The task force of Canadian troops assigned to pack and move the army’s combat gear has completed its job and, aside from a few clean-up details, the last of the country’s soldiers will be out of the southern region by Dec. 12.
“Earlier this year, our task force conducted a seamless hand over of our area of responsibility to coalition and Afghan forces in the region. Our partners, thanks to the professionalism and service of our uniformed men and women, were well positioned to build on our progress and to continue reinforcing the safety and stability of southern Afghanistan,” General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said in a statement.
“While we mark the end of Operation ATHENA, we must also remember that there are 900 sailors, soldiers and airmen and airwomen still serving in northern Afghanistan in support of Operation ATTENTION. I’m very proud of the dedication, sacrifice, and service of all the men and women of the Canadian Forces who served with distinction in Afghanistan.”
Combat operations ceased in July and Lt.-Gen. Stuart Beare, who is in charge of all of Canada’s overseas forces, said it was a “gratifying moment” to witness the last parade.
Most of Canada’s war has been fought under the NATO flag as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
Parliament mandated the army to be out of Kandahar by the end of this year after fighting a bitter guerilla war with the Taliban for over five years.
