‘200 Swedish troops out of Afghanistan’

Sweden has withdrawn all its 200 soldiers from Afghanistan’s northern province of Jowzjan, Press TV reports.

Afghan officials said that the last convoy of Swedish soldiers left the province on Sunday.

Mohammed Aleem Sayee, the governor of the province, stated on Monday that the pullout would not affect the peace and stability of the region because the Swedish troops did not have any active role in maintaining security in the province.

The governor added that the Swedish troops handed over their military base, with an estimated value of USD 35 million, to Afghan forces. Swedish troops were stationed in Jowzjan Province for more than 10 years.

Despite the withdrawal, Stockholm has reportedly promised to continue its financial aid to the Afghan government.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity remains across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.