The Canadian evacuation mission in Kabul has ended.
In a briefing this morning, military and government officials confirmed the vast majority of Canadian personnel left the Kabul airport about eight hours ago.
Gen. Wayne Eyre says the Canadians were among the last to leave.
Officials say while the military mission is over, the evacuation efforts are not.
General Eyre says the mission end date had to be changed due to dangerous conditions at the airport.
He said it was the largest military evacuation in history.
The General said, “We wish we could’ve stayed longer and saved everyone.”
Thousands of people are still trying to flee the country, after the Taliban recently took over, and Canadian soldiers had faced a looming Tuesday deadline when the last U.S. forces are set to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada successfully transported or facilitated the transport of approximately 37-hundred evacuees, but the work will continue.
He says rescue and evacuation efforts will not stop in Afghanistan.
Just hours after Canada announced the evacuation mission had ended, a reported suicide bomber caused an explosion outside of the Kabul airport, resulting in several casualties, including children.
More to come…
"This particular moment is done—and it's heartbreaking to see. But there is much more to do and Canada will continue to be there for Afghans & the Afghan people," says Justin Trudeau when asked re Canada's announcement that Kabul evacuation efforts have ended.#cdnpoli | #elxn44 pic.twitter.com/jTEnMtx9B0
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) August 26, 2021
LIVE: Federal officials provide update on the response to the situation in Afghanistan
https://t.co/rtj7k6l6Zh
EN DIRECT : Des responsables fédéraux font le point sur la réponse du Canada face à la situation en Afghanistan
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) August 26, 2021
We are aware of an explosion at the Kabul airport this morning. We can confirm that all CAF members are safe and accounted for. The situation on the ground remains dangerous and our personnel are taking all appropriate personal security measures.
— Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) August 26, 2021