The bright red and white Canadian Maple Leaf flag was officially lowered earlier today in a quiet and heavily guarded ceremony at the military base (ISAF HQ) in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
It signals the symbolic end to the 12-year mission, the largest deployment of Canadian military forces since the Second World War, and Korea. During that time, 158 soldiers were killed, and some 2000 wounded or maimed.
British Lt.-Gen. John Lorimer, the deputy commander of NATO in Afghanistan, said the Canadians “repeatedly proved their courage and capability” alongside coalition and Afghan troops, especially in Kandahar “where you not only fought hard, but you fought smart.”
Canada’s initial presence began in late 2001, followed over the years by some 40,000 personnel rotations through the mission.
With most personnel and equipment either back in Canada or on its way, only a very small contingent remains to take care of final closing details. They too should be gone in a few days time.
In 2011, the mission changed from a combat role, to that of training of Aghanistan’s own security forces.
The last Canadian commander, Maj.-Gen. Dean Milner, said the training mission taking place over the last three years has been invaluable preparation for the Afghan army, but the progress made is not irreversible and the West needs to continue nurturing both military and civilian institutions
Canada will continue to support Afghanistan’s own security forces to the tune of $110 million per year for the perioed 2015-17.
Video documentary on Canada’s Afghanistan mission (45min)
(Below) Canadian Maj-Gen Dean Milner reflects on Cdn mission (NATO report)
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