Soldiers Return from Tour of Duty in Afghanistan
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 20, 2014) - Department of National Defence
This week, 143 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel will return to their home bases in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta after the latest deployment to Afghanistan. These soldiers are some of the last Canadians to serve in Operation ATTENTION.
Since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan three years ago, Canada has been assisting in the development of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). As a contribution to the NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan (NTM-A), Canada is helping to generate and sustain the ANSF to enable Afghan-led security.
By the end of January, approximately 100 CAF personnel will continue to support Operation ATTENTION. All personnel will return home by the end of March 2014, marking the official end of Canada's military operations in Afghanistan.
Quick Facts
Canada was the second largest contributor to NTM-A after the United States
Nearly 40,000 Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen have deployed to the region since Canada's first mission in 2001
Afghanistan is Canada's largest military deployment since the Second World War
Operation ATTENTION follows Operation ATHENA (2003-2011) and Operation APOLLO (2001-2003) as the third major CAF mission contributing to multinational operations in southwest Asia.
Quotes
"I commend our returning soldiers on their contribution to training and mentoring strong and independent Afghan National Security Forces. Our troops are working hard to ensure Afghanistan rightfully assume responsibility for its security, governance and development. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the soldiers who are returning home this week."
Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of National Defence
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