Abbott pulls troops from Afghanistan

Leading Aircraftman Noel Klaehn lets Australians know he and his mates will be home for Christmas during his final day in Oruzgan Province. Source: Supplied

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott says the last Australian soldier has left Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan.

Canberra Defence Minister David Johnston said the last troops left Oruzgan yesterday.

"They are in the air on the way home,'' he told reporters in Sydney.

Mr Abbott thanked the soldiers for their service, saying they had paid a high price with 40 dead and 261 seriously wounded.

"Oruzgan today is a very significantly different and better place than it was a decade ago," he said.

Australia will provide an ongoing support role in Afghanista, says Tony Abbott. Source: News Limited

Mr Abbott described Australia's involvment in Afghanistan as "an episode in the long and proud martial story of our country that we can look back on with pride".

"I want to say a deep thank you to their families who have suffered absences as well as grievous and shattering loss," the Prime Minister said.

Mr Abbott said Afghan forces were up to the job of maintaining security.

"The Afghan National Army has performed with considerable distinction over the last fighting season. Certainly our soldiers are very happy with the progress of the Afghan brigade they have been mentoring over the last few years,'' he said.

Also on their way to Australia are Afghan language interpreters who worked with Australian forces, and whose employment placed them at considerable risk of retaliation.

Mr Abbott said Australia was getting people out as quickly as possible.

"We are determined to ensure that everyone who has provided material support for our armed forces is looked after and provided with a guarantee of safety,'' he said.

The Australian Government will be providing $100 million a year towards the Afghan National Forces.

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