Canada Ends 12-Year Afghan Military Mission

Canada on Wednesday formally ended military operations in Afghanistan when a small training mission closed in Kabul three years after its combat troops withdrew from action.

Canada initially committed troops to Afghanistan in 2001 and was involved in heavy fighting against Taliban militants in the violent south of the country until 2011.

"Today, after more than 12 years and the deployment of over 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, our mission in Afghanistan has come to a close," said General Tom Lawson, chief of the defense staff.

"We look back on our mission with pride, knowing that through our efforts we have helped Afghans to gain the hope of a brighter and more secure future."

A flag-lowering ceremony was held at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul.

Around 160 Canadians have lost their lives in the conflict, according to Canadian officials.

"Canada played a critical role in securing Kandahar Province and had a strategic impact across the country with their contribution to the NATO training mission," ISAF commander General Joseph Dunford said.

The Canadian government has committed $330 million to help develop the Afghan army and police and $227 million in development assistance between 2015 and 2017.

Following elections on April 5, Afghanistan's next president will face a testing new era as the Afghan army and police attempt to impose security after the remaining 53,000 NATO combat troops leave by December and international funding declines.