Germany and Italy have lost more than 100 men killed in some 20 years of military presence on Afghan soil
Germany and Italy have completed operations to withdraw their military contingents from Afghanistan. It became known on Wednesday, 30 June.
The day before, the last German soldiers staying at the military camp in Mazar-i-Sharif were redeployed to Germany on four warplanes. Among those who left the Central Asian republic were members of the KSK special unit, which was guarding the camp and ensuring the safety of the troop withdrawal.
“An entire chapter in history is coming to an end, an intense mission that challenged the Bundeswehr and significantly affected its formation, including in combat. A mission in which the souls and bodies of our soldiers have been wounded, in which we have lost men and mourned the dead”, – said German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.
According to the Bundeswehr, 59 German soldiers lost their lives during the 20-year mission.
There were 1,100 German soldiers in Afghanistan until May. Germany had the second largest military contingent in Afghanistan among NATO countries, behind only the United States.
Italy has also completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Several dozen troops left the Afghan province of Herat and arrived at Pisa airport. Meanwhile, Italy will continue to assist Afghan authorities without troops in their country.
Italy has been one of the most active participants in the NATO mission in Afghanistan. According to the Ministry of Defence, in some 20 years of military presence on Afghan territory, Italy has lost 53 killed and another 723 wounded. A total of 50,000 Italian soldiers have served in Afghanistan during this time.
As we know, the United States and its NATO partners are currently conducting an operation to withdraw their contingent from Afghanistan. It is expected to be completed by 11 September this year.