Turkey Defence Ministry aims to remove troops 'as quickly as possible' from Afghanistan

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced on Thursday that government intends to remove its troops from war-torn Afghanistan as soon as possible. According to  Daily Subah, Defence Minister said that Turkish troops are providing security at Hamid Karzai International Airport amid current situation and y are "trying ir best to implement evacuation plans at Kabul International Airport despite extraordinary conditions and congestion."

Turkish armed forces begin withdrawing from Afghanistan

Akar also announced that Turkish armed forces have begun withdrawing from Afghanistan. A decision was me after an assessment of existing situation and conditions. first jet carrying 345 Turkish military and civilian people is scheduled to arrive in Ankara at 11:45 am local time, as per Daily Subah.

In June, Turkish Defense Ministry agreed to station 500 soldiers at Hamid Karzai International Airport as part of US army drawdown from Afghanistan. Taliban h also objected to Turkey's request to defend Kabul airport at time, claiming that Ankara must depart Afghanistan in accordance with 2020 arrangement.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, Turkey's Defense Ministry said it h begun removing its armed forces from Afghanistan after assessing present situation and conditions, referring to Taliban's takeover of war-torn country. Turkish expertise, on or hand, may remain in country to assist Taliban in operating Kabul airport, according to officials.

Turkish Armed Forces have been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 under UN, NATO, and bilateral agreements to contribute to peace of Afghanistan, welfare, and stability. During commotion, Turkish troops intervened with soldiers from or countries, ensuring security of Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport. According to Daily Subah, during process, 1,129 civilian Turkish people were evacuated by military aircraft. As part of NATO's now-abandoned mission in war-torn country, Turkey has about 500 noncombatant troops stationed.

Turkey's non-combat presence in Afghanistan

Turkey has h a non-combat presence in Afghanistan for past 20 years, assisting with consultancy, reconstruction, and maintenance. It has been in charge of airport for past six years. Turkey's non-combat presence h been in talks with both Taliban and US government about helping to safeguard airport following US troop pullout, which is expected to be completed soon.

(Inputs from ANI)

(Image Credits- AP)