Belgian troops to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2016

The number of Belgian troops in Afghanistan will gradually decline from the beginning of 2016, according to defence minister Steven Vandeput, report various Belgian media.

"In autumn 2015, we will launch the operation Resolute Support and its plan for the gradual withdrawal of all Belgian troops stationed in the Kabul region," said Vandeput. "The withdrawal of the German presence in Mazar-i-Sharif has long been planned. This planning was also communicated to all the countries that collaborated with Germany in the north of Afghanistan, including us. It comes therefore as no surprise and is in line with our own plans. "

There are currently about 70 Belgian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. As a result of the closure of TAAC North, the number of Belgians in the country will begin to gradually taper off from the beginning of next year. TAAC North (Train Advise Assist Command – North) is a multinational military formation, part of Nato's resolute support mission within Afghanistan.

“There is no question of an increase in the number of Belgian troops elsewhere in Afghanistan," assures Vandeput.