On Sunday, December 28, NATO officially concluded its 13-year military mission in Afghanistan. The ceremony marking the end of this mission was held secretly in Kabul due to threats from the Taliban. According to a report by AFP, this transition means that the international security forces' combat mission led by the United States (known as ISAF) in Afghanistan will now shift to a NATO 'training and support' mission in the country. Since the international forces entered Afghanistan in 2001, 3,485 soldiers and personnel have been killed in the country. General John Campbell, NATO's commander in Afghanistan, stated at the final ceremony that 'together, we brought the Afghan people out of darkness and despair and gave them hope for the future.' He added, 'You have made Afghanistan stronger and our countries safer.' Despite the end of NATO's combat mission in Afghanistan, 12,500 soldiers will remain in the country to continue providing training and support services to the Afghan police and army. The number of international forces in Afghanistan was over 130,000 before 2011, coming from 50 countries to fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Afghanistan currently has 350,000 security forces that have been responsible for the country's security since 2013. General Campbell pledged that the remaining NATO forces in the country would not abandon their Afghan friends and urged armed opponents in the country to lay down their weapons and join the peace and reconstruction process in Afghanistan.
NATO's Combat Mission in Afghanistan Officially Ended
NATO officially ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, transitioning to a training and support role amidst ongoing Taliban threats. General John Campbell emphasized the mission's achievements and the continued presence of 12,500 NATO troops to assist Afghan security forces. This shift marks a significant change in international engagement in Afghanistan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
NATO officially ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, transitioning to a training and support role due to ongoing threats from the Taliban. General John Campbell highlighted the achievements of the mission and the continued presence of NATO troops to assist Afghan security forces.
- NATO's combat mission lasted 13 years and resulted in the deaths of 3,485 soldiers and personnel.
- 12,500 NATO troops will remain in Afghanistan to provide training and support to local security forces.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
NATO's mission in Afghanistan began in 2001 following the September 11 attacks, aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and stabilizing the country. The Taliban has remained a significant threat throughout this period.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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