The end of an era in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army General John Campbell wraps up flags carrying the weight of 13 years of war.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. ARMY GENERAL JOHN CAMPBELL COMMANDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF); SAYING:
"Today NATO completes its combat mission, a 13-year endeavour filled with significant achievements and tremendous sacrifice, especially by the thousands of coalition and Afghan army and police wounded...who gave so much to build a brighter future for this wartorn land."
The ceremony marks the official end of the combat mission. It also marks the start of a new two-year mission focused on training Afghan security forces.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. ARMY GENERAL JOHN CAMPBELL COMMANDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF); SAYING:
"Our new resolute support mission reflects NATO's continued investment in Afghanistan's future, our commitment to Afghanistan endures."
The U.S.-led invasion s