The Turkish Air Forces transport aircraft transferring 345 military personnel departed Kabul on Wednesday evening.

There were about 600 Turkish soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that Turkey aimed to complete the transfer as soon as possible.

Turkey has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since its inception with the deployment of 290- non-combatant support personnel in 2001 and has assumed command of ISAF II (June 2002 – February 2003) and ISAF VII (February–August 2005).

Turkish troops have not participated as combat forces but rather as logistical support and training Afghan personnel. Over 12,000 Afghan soldiers and police have been trained. (ILKHA)