By Canadian Press

Canadian military drawdown will begin before Aug. 31 American deadline: Sajjan

Aug 25, 2021 | 9:30 AM

OTTAWA — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says the Canadian military will begin wrapping up its mission at Kabul airport ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline the United States set for ending the mission.

Sajjan says that’s because the U.S. is leading the mission and its forces must be the last to leave the airport, meaning Canada must begin departure preparations in advance.

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says Canada’s commitment to helping Afghans will go on after the military withdrawal from abroad.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his fellow G7 leaders were not able to persuade President Joe Biden to extend the American deadline for withdrawal at their virtual summit on Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau says the security situation keeps deteriorating.

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Garneau says Canada and the G7 will be laying down clear markers for the Taliban in talks that will take place over the coming days to impress upon the regime that it must not block Afghans from leaving the country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2021

The Canadian Press