Canada suspends operations at embassy in Afghanistan, citing safety concerns

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Canada is shutting down its embassy in Kabul and suspending diplomatic operations in Afghanistan as the Taliban enter the capital.

On Sunday, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said personnel are now on their way back to Canada.

“The current situation, poses serious challenges to our ability to ensure that safety and security of our mission,” he said. “We thank them for their tireless efforts to help the people of Afghanistan in their pursuit of democracy, human rights, education, health and security. Our commitment to the people of Afghanistan, including women and girls and the LGBTQ communities remains unwavering.”

Trudeau made special mention of the recently announced immigration program to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans.

“Our government has also committed to resettling up to 20,000 Afghans through the ongoing Special Immigration Measures Program, our ongoing work to bring Afghans to safety in Canada under SIMS remains a top priority,” he said.

A joint statement from the federal ministers of foreign affairs, immigration and defence says safety and security of Canadian personnel is a top priority, adding that staff are “safely on their way back to Canada.”

The ministers say the suspension is temporary and its embassy will resume operations in Kabul when it’s safe to do so.

The Taliban have seized nearly all of Afghanistan in just over a week and breached the capital on Sunday, seeking the surrender of the government as residents and foreigners rush to leave the country.

Canada has committed to taking in 20,000 refugees from the country and Afghans who have assisted Canada over the years.

The government is urging Canadians currently in the country to leave immediately.

– With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press