With the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) in the final stages of taking over full security responsibilities for their country, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) concluded its deployment there in a ceremony last Saturday at the Multinational Base Tarin Kowt located in Oruzgan.

It was attended by Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh, Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East MG Michael Peter Crane, and Commander Regional Command South MG Robert B. Abrams.

The SAF has deployed close to 500 personnel to Afghanistan since May 2007 as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), contributing their expertise in areas such as humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts, as well as training the ANSF.

Describing this deployment as one of the longest and most wide-ranging overseas deployments for the SAF, MG Singh said, "Our soldiers have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment in carrying out their duties. We are grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the global fight against terrorism and help the Afghan people."